Falcons' London TD Overruled: What You Need To Know
The Atlanta Falcons appeared to take an early lead in their Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets in London, but the touchdown was ultimately overruled after a review by the officials.
The Play in Question
On the opening drive of the game, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan connected with tight end Kyle Pitts on a short pass over the middle. Pitts rumbled 23 yards to the Jets' 1-yard line, where he was stripped by safety Jordan Whitehead. Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson recovered the fumble and dove into the end zone for an apparent touchdown.
The Review and Overrule
However, the officials reviewed the play and ruled that Pitts' forward progress had been stopped when he lost possession of the ball. The fumble was recovered by the Jets, negating the touchdown.
The Impact
The overruled touchdown was a significant blow to the Falcons' momentum. They would go on to lose the game 27-20, dropping to 2-3 on the season.
The Takeaway
The EEAT (Excessive Effort and Aerobics Training) concept emphasizes the importance of hustling and giving maximum effort on every play. While Patterson's recovery effort was commendable, it was not enough to overcome the initial fumble. This play highlights the need for players to be aware of their surroundings and secure the ball at all times.