NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Philadelphia Eagles were flagged for roughing the passer before the Super Bowl even got underway, receiving a 15-yard penalty for shaking Patrick Mahomes' hand too hard after the coin toss.
The flag came out when the team captains performed the traditional pre-game handshake, with refs stating that the handshake was much too firm.
"Personal foul, squeezing too hard on the handshake, number one of the Eagles," called referee Mark Stewart. "Player made contact with the quarterback's pinkie in a non-caressing way. The fifteen-yard penalty will be assessed on the kick-off. That play is under video review."
The video review team broke down the handshake, noting that the Philadelphia Eagles player went palm up, swinging his palm in an aggressive manner. "You just can't do that in today's NFL," said broadcaster Tony Romo. "Look at the way he then pulls Mahomes in closer for the shoulder bump, making clear contact. That's going to be 15 yards all day, Jim."
At publishing time, the refs had flagged Philadelphia for unsportsmanlike contact for failing to say "have a good game" to Mahomes with sufficient enthusiasm.
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