WATCH: Chains malfunction yet again in 2023 NFC Championship Game between Eagles and 49ers
Just when you think you’ve seen it all in the world of sports, there’s yet another surprise that’s thrown your way. On Sunday afternoon in the 2023 NFC Championship Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, the first down sideline chains malfunctioned yet again for the second time in the playoffs.
Check out the video below.
They had to use the backup chains after the first set apparently malfunctioned. This is the second time during the 2023 NFL Playoffs that officials have had to stop play due to the chains malfunctioning. They also had to stop play in the Divisional Round matchup between the Eagles and the Giants.
It’s pretty wild that the chains have malfunctioned twice, considering how much money, time, and energy is poured into these teams and facilities. The NFL is operating a billion dollar business, but can’t seem to get the chains fixed. Luckily for everyone involved, they have a backup set.
It’s pretty rare that you see chains malfunction like that, let alone twice in the NFL Playoffs. Sunday’s game between the Eagles and 49ers has been a hard fought one, and Philadelphia currently leads 21-7 at halftime. The Eagles offensive line has done a great job of controlling the line of scrimmage, and 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy was knocked out of the game early in the first quarter due to an elbow injury. Just about everything that could go wrong for the 49ers in the first half, did.
Backup quarterback Josh Johnson took Purdy’s place as the quarterback for the 49ers. He had a costly fumble late in the second quarter that Philadelphia ended up turning into seven points to stretch their lead to 21-7. Later in the game, Johnson would be knocked out of the game in the third quarter, and Purdy eventually returned to the game.
Right now, it’s looking like the Eagles are well on their way to punching their tickets to the Super Bowl. But there’s still plenty of football left.