Video Proves Steelers Were Absolutely Victim Of Horrible Officiating In Philadelphia

The Pittsburgh Steelers took a tough loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. It was another bad start for the Steelers' offense as it started with three different three and outs. The slow start by the offense wasn't the only thing to point the blame towards in the loss, as penalties killed drives. While many penalties were caused by mental lapses, fans are still wondering what the officials were thinking when they threw two flags against the Steelers after a scrum caused by Darnell Washington blocking Darius Slay out of the end zone.

After the game, Alan Eck was asked about the decision to only throw flags on the Steelers after a Najee Harris catch that would have placed the ball inside the Eagles' five-yard-line. He stated that only Washington and Calvin Austin were seen committing unsportsmanlike conduct, that simple.

"Because two Steelers were observed, number 80 and number 19, committing unsportsmanlike conduct after the play was over." Eck said. "That's what it was. Two players after the fact, unsportsmanlike conduct."

When asked if the officials saw any punches thrown during the scrum, Eck emphasized that neither the officials nor New York saw any punches thrown by the Eagles.

"No. No punches were observed on the field." Eck said. "Since we had flags down, it gave New York an opportunity to review the play as well. There was no video evidence of punches observed by the Philadelphia Eagles."

This was an odd thing to say since there is now video evidence that Slay in fact threw a punch at Washington. Slay obviously was upset that he was manhandled by the second-year tight end and didn't take it lightly. Video taken from the stands clearly shows the Eagles cornerback throwing a punch before other players came in to separate the two. 

It is quite shocking that neither the officials or New York (who reviewed the scrum) didn't see anything that would be viewed "unsportsmanlike" on the Eagles. Austin, who was flagged during the exchange, was seen getting Quinyon Mitchell's hands (and maybe a fist) all in his face during the pushing and shoving, which could have been a flag against the Eagles as well.

The Steelers would end up only getting three points on a drive that they started inside the enemy's 11-yard-line. Pittsburgh would have loved to take advantage of the great field position and get an early lead on the road. After the penalies on both Washington and Austin, Russell Wilson threw back to back incompletions that forced Mike Tomlin to bring out Chris Boswell to tie the game. 

Steelers' Issues With Officials In 2024 Just Keeps Getting Worse

This isn't the second time that the officials got something terribly wrong with the Steelers. Back in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts, Minkah Fitzpatrick was flagged for unnecessary roughness on a hit against Adonai Mitchell that clearly wasn't an illegal hit. That penalty allowed the Colts to extend their lead to 14 points and help pave their way to a victory against the Steelers.

The NFL would later apologize to Tomlin saying that flag should not have been thrown but since New York reviewed the Week 15 scrum in Philadelphia, it wouldn't be shocking if the NFL doesn't apologize about this miss by them and the officials. The Steelers do not have time to sulk about these since they will be traveling to play the Baltimore Ravens on a short week and try to keep their lead in the division.

What are your thoughts about the miss punch by the NFL and officials? Do you think the NFL will admit they missed it? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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