Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson came down with a heck of a catch in the second quarter Thursday night in his matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles but his fumble cost his team the ball.
Kirk Cousins launched a great pass to Jefferson. The wide receiver hauled in the football and tried to make the extra move to get into the end zone. As he tried to stretch over the pylon, Jefferson lost the ball. The ball rolled into the end zone and off to the side, resulting in a touchback.
Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings loses the ball over the pylon for a touchback as he is defended by Terrell Edmunds #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings fumbles the ball over the pylon for a touchback as he is defended by Terrell Edmunds #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The NFL touchback rule on plays like Jefferson’s has always been a source of consternation among fans and it became an issue on social media again. Those watching the game expressed their opinions.
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“Here comes the dumbest rule in football. The fumble into the end zone touchback,” Super Bowl champion kicker Lawrence Tynes wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
“Unbelievable body control and catch by Justin Jefferson!” NFL veteran Darius Butler wrote. “Would REALLY stink for the Vikings and Anytime TD bettors if this is called a Touchback. Definitely looks like it tho.”
“That looks like a touchback on Justin Jefferson fumble,” NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe wrote. “It’s the single worst rule in football. But the right call is touchback.”
Former NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz agreed with one X user’s take.
“The rule is fine don’t f–k around around the end zone,” Sumer Sports VP Eric Eager wrote.
Jefferson ended the half with five catches for 57 yards. T.J. Hockenson had a touchdown catch from Cousins. He had four catches for 47 yards.
T.J. Hockenson #87 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Justin Jefferson #18 after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 14, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Eagles were able to come away with a 61-yard Jake Elliott field goal at halftime and stay up 13-7.
