Why Jalen Hurts was penalized for spiking the ball during the Eagles' 'MNF' matchup vs. Falcons

You don't see this every game

By Jordan Dajani Sep 16, 2024 at 9:44 pm ET• 1 min read

As the Philadelphia Eagles marched 70 yards down the field on 11 plays for their first touchdown of the night during their Week 2 "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, star quarterback Jalen Hurts was called for a penalty you don't see very often. 

After Hurts scrambled for 23 yards on a fourth-and-3, he got up and spiked the ball in celebration. The officials threw a flag, and docked him five yards for delay of game.

Check out what happened, here: 

Jalen Hurts gets a flag for spiking the ball.. No Fun League #ATLvsPHI pic.twitter.com/SpTYU6N6Pp

— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) September 17, 2024

This is actually the correct call. According to the NFL's rulebook, in Section 6 titled "Delay of Game," it states an action that is to be construed as delay of game is "Spiking or throwing the ball in the field of play after a down has ended, except after a score."