The NFL playoffs delivered another instant classic on Sunday, with the 49ers edging out the Eagles 23-19 in a dramatic comeback win. But as is often the case in high-stakes football, the conversation after the final whistle hasn’t been just about the plays that were made - it’s also been about the ones that weren’t called.
This week, the spotlight is on a crucial moment late in the game: the 49ers' game-winning touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Christian McCaffrey. It was a beautifully executed play - Purdy bought just enough time in the pocket to find McCaffrey in the end zone. But Eagles fans are zeroing in on what they believe was a missed holding call on 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, who was matched up against rookie linebacker Nolan Smith on the edge.
On the replay, you can see Williams (No. 71) and Smith (No. 3) battling at the top of the screen. Williams engages and holds his block just long enough for Purdy to step up and deliver the strike.
Some fans - particularly those in Philadelphia - argue that Williams’ block crossed the line into holding territory. And if you look closely, there’s definitely a case to be made.
But Williams isn’t losing any sleep over the controversy. When asked about the play before Wednesday’s practice, the veteran left tackle kept it simple: “Oh, really?
I didn’t see a flag.” Then he dropped a line that’s already making the rounds: “You only get a speeding ticket if you get pulled over.”
That quote pretty much sums up the reality of NFL officiating. Holding happens - a lot.
On nearly every play, linemen are walking the fine line between legal engagement and a flag. The difference between a clean block and a hold often comes down to whether the officials throw the flag.
And in this case, they didn’t.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Eagles fans, especially with the season on the line. But this isn’t the first time a fanbase has felt burned by a non-call in a critical moment, and it won’t be the last. Just ask 49ers fans about Super Bowl LIV and the handful of uncalled holds on Nick Bosa - that memory still stings in the Bay Area.
The truth is, NFL games are full of moments like this. The margins are razor thin, and officiating is far from perfect.
Could the officials have called a hold on Williams? Sure.
But they didn’t - and that’s part of the game.
So while the debate rages on across social media and sports talk shows, the 49ers are moving on, and the Eagles are left wondering what could’ve been. As for Trent Williams?
He’s not looking back. And in the NFL playoffs, that's the only direction that matters.