So apparently Lions head coach Jim Schwartz isn’t the only NFL coach that doesn’t know the rules of throwing the challenge flag and Jordy Nelson might be the smartest guy on the Packer sideline (coaches included).
During the 4th quarter of Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, Packers head coach Mike McCarthy threw a challenge flag after James Jones fumbled the football but was down and in the end zone. Being well aware of the rules himself (and unlike his head coach) Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson rushed over to the sidelines hoping to hide it from the officials before a penalty can be issued. But unlike what happened to Jim Schwartz and the Lions on Thanksgiving Day referee Mike Carey signified that the booth already buzzed down initiating the replay before McCarthy threw the challenge flag.
As a result the play was reviewed and the Packers were given the touchdown. However because McCarthy threw the flag a 15-yard penalty was tacked on the ensuing kickoff. So apparently the only thing Jim Schwartz had to do was hold onto the challenge flag a little longer.
Confusing and stupid? Absolutely.
I wonder if Peter King still thinks coaches should be fired now after doing this?