Washington QB Alex Smith appeared to pull off a tricky move before halftime of Monday night’s game against Pittsburgh that angered Steelers fans and helped lead to a key field goal before the break.
With Washington having no time outs left, Smith was sacked in the final seconds and sprinted off the field so the field-goal unit could come on the field and get off an attempt before the whistle blew. The veteran QB, however, ran off the field with the ball so the officials had to stop the clock and set the ball down.
Washington then hit the field goal and went into halftime down 14-3. The Football Team then went on to rally for a stunning 23-17 victory.
Check out this move by Smith:
Alex Smith runs off with the ball causing an “administrative issue” and stopping the clock to give Washington (+6.5) time to kick
pic.twitter.com/bxUef3JNcv— Bet The Pigskin (@betthepigskin) December 7, 2020
He even gave it a little smile there, like he knew what he was doing.
After the game he offered this explanation:
Alex Smith said he carried the ball off the field just before half bc he was trying to speed up the process of getting the K ball on the field. He said the COVID protocols slowed it down bc fewer ball boys.
"It was not intentional. I was trying to hurry up the process."
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 8, 2020
Am I buying that reason? Yes and no. Time was needed to get the K ball in but with no time outs Washington really shouldn’t get that chance to get the K ball in. You have to live with what you’ve created.
Could COVID protocols have slowed it down? I mean, maybe? I’m not well versed in the sideline COVID protocols so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
But I do think the crafty vet pulled a bit of a fast one there.
