An unusual scenario unfolded during the NFC Championship game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders, highlighting a little-known NFL rule. Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu repeatedly attempted to thwart a potential Eagles "tush push" touchdown by jumping over the offensive line before the snap. This action, deemed encroachment by the referees, occurred multiple times, prompting a warning with significant implications.

The referees informed Washington that continued encroachment of this nature could result in the Eagles being awarded a touchdown. This revelation surprised Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and even some Eagles players who were unaware of the rule's existence. The exchange between Daniels and the referee, captured on "Inside the NFL," underscored the unusual nature of the situation.

This obscure rule, found in Rule 12, Section 3, Article 4 of the NFL Rulebook, addresses "palpably unfair acts." It grants the referee, after consulting with the officiating crew, the authority to award a score if a player interferes with the game through such an act. In this instance, Luvu's repeated attempts to preemptively stop the Eagles' play were considered palpably unfair.

While the Eagles ultimately scored a touchdown on a "tush push" by Jalen Hurts, the incident brought attention to a rarely invoked rule with potentially game-changing consequences. The referees' warning served as a reminder of their authority to address unfair play in extraordinary circumstances.