Sunday’s wild-card game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers got off to a surprising start when referees ruled that Packers defensive back Keisean Nixon fumbled the opening kickoff. The Eagles recovered the ball and quickly took advantage of the short field, with quarterback Jalen Hurts throwing an 11-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson on their third offensive play. The Eagles never trailed in the game and eventually punched their ticket to the divisional round with a 22-10 victory.
After the game, Nixon argued that the game officials, not he, dropped the metaphorical ball, and that he was the one who recovered the fumble in the pile-up. He also claimed that an illegal hit by an Eagles player, which created the fumble, should have negated the play. Replay videos appeared to show an initial recovery by Nixon as he was being contacted by players from the opposing team.
The league office may review the play in question and issue discipline, such as a fine, if it determines that an illegal hit occurred. Nixon, 27, expressed his lack of interest in returning kicks going forward, instead wanting to focus on being a full-time cornerback.
Nixon posted career-highs in pass breakups and forced fumbles this season, while Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw two touchdown passes in the game. The Eagles will await the winner of Monday night’s game between the Los Angeles Rams.