Much was made concerning the final moments of Super Bowl 2023 through which James Bradberry was flagged for a controversial defensive holding penalty on JuJu Smith-Schuster that essentially allowed the Chiefs to ice the sport of their 38-35 win over the Eagles.
Nevertheless, while the decision was highly controversial (especially on the time), NFL Movies’ angle of the play appears to obviously show Bradberry tugging on the back of Smith-Schuster’s jersey.
And yes, while there have been countless examples of contact like this being ruled incidental and officials allowing players to play on, by the letter of the law it definitely looked like a hold.
Football Zebras, an internet site dedicated to football officiating content, explained why exactly field judge John Jenkins made the proper call, saying that the published angle didn’t give the definitive view of the play and led to the initial public confusion.
“The large query is did Smith-Schuster lose steps or get pulled off stride when running his route?” the article read. “You’ll be able to see the receiver get held up just an easy through the jersey tug. Also, you may make the argument that Bradberry’s right arm obstructed Smith-Schuster’s pass route after he turned to run downfield.”
Bradberry admitted that he held Smith-Schuster’s jersey after the sport, saying he was “hoping [the officials] would let it slide.” He further elaborated on the play Tuesday.
“I feel like I only had two options, really: I could take responsibility for it, or I could blame it on another person,” Bradberry told reporters. “I try to not live that way. … It comes from my mom or coaches previously I’ve had, taking accountability.”
The aftermath of the play led to some drama on social media Tuesday. Smith-Schuster, who has turn out to be a little bit of a villain in NFL circles, posted a fake Valentine’s Day card with an image of Bradberry, cheekily saying: “I’ll hold you when it matters most.”
Eagles players were predictably not thrilled, and wide receiver A.J. Brown fired back quickly.
“First off congratulations. Y’all deserve it. That is lame. You was on the best way out the league before Mahomes resurrected your profession in your 1 12 months deal Tik-Tok boy. He admitted that he grabbed you but don’t act like your like that or ever was. But congratulations again!” Brown tweeted.
