How the Touchback Rule Works: Justin Jefferson's Hard Way Experience

Viral Summary: Vikings' Justin Jefferson's rare touchback fumble cost them a potential touchdown in the game against the Eagles. Eagles won 34-28.

In a thrilling Thursday Night Football matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, wide receiver Justin Jefferson came close to scoring a touchdown but unfortunately fumbled the ball out of bounds just before reaching the pylon. With only 41 seconds left in the half, this near-touchdown could have been a game-changer for the Vikings.

The play unfolded as Jefferson lost possession of the football while it crossed the plane, resulting in a touchback. This meant that the Eagles recovered the ball and were awarded possession. They took advantage of this opportunity and scored a field goal, giving them a 13-7 lead going into halftime.

While touchbacks are a common occurrence in the NFL during kicks and punts, the type of touchback that Jefferson experienced is quite rare. According to Section 7, Article 3, Item 4-a of the 2023 NFL rule book, if a ball is fumbled in the field of play and goes forward into the opponent's end zone and over the end line or sideline, a touchback is awarded to the defensive team.

Despite his unfortunate touchback, Jefferson had an impressive performance in the game, finishing with 159 receiving yards on 11 catches. However, he was unable to score a touchdown, and his fumble could have been the turning point for the Vikings.

There are three ways in which a touchback like the one Jefferson suffered can occur. The first is if the quarterback throws an interception in the opponent's end zone and the defender takes a knee. The second is when the offense fumbles the ball into the end zone and the defense recovers it on the ground, or if the defender takes a knee. Lastly, the third way, which is what happened to Jefferson, is when the player fumbles the ball through the end zone and out of bounds after it has crossed the goal line, with no clear recovery.

It is important to note that a touchback should not be confused with a safety. A touchback always gives the receiving team possession at the 25-yard line, whereas a safety occurs when the ball carrier is downed inside their own end zone.

In the end, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged victorious with a 34-28 win over the Minnesota Vikings. While Jefferson's touchback could have changed the outcome of the game, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and intricacies of the NFL rules and how they can impact the course of a game.