NFL fans rip referees for not calling holding on Saquon Barkley vs. Commanders in NFCCG - "Baffling missed call", "It's ridiculous"

Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles are dueling with the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game. The NFC East rivals won one game apiece during the regular season. After the Commanders' upsets in the postseason, they are meeting to decide who would represent the conference in the Super Bowl.

Just as it happened during the AFC divisional round a week ago, controversial calls quickly became part of the game. A late hit on Saquon Barkley seemed a good call by the referees. But Marshon Lattimore was controversially penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct in a play where contact was initiated by A.J. Brown.

Another controversial call happened right after the two-minute warning. NFL fans pointed out a blitz pickup by Barkley on linebacker Frankie Luvu, with the running back holding the defender as he tried to blitz quarterback Jalen Hurts:

"Today’s referees are doing what they’ve shown when it comes to officiating Eagles’ games. Skewed results," said one fan.

"How does the ref miss this, genuine question," said another.

"Hopefully the league addresses this and non-holding calls are subject to challenge and replay review. Am I doing this right?" a third fan noted.

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Saquon Barkley's domination fuels Eagles over Commanders

Before Philadelphia and Washington met for the third time this season, the running back was already a dominant force against their rivals. During the two regular season games, he amassed 55 carries, 296 rushing yards, 52 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

He continued to be a force during the conference championship. In the very first offensive snap for the Eagles, Barkley broke a 60-yard touchdown run that set the tone for the remainder of the game. He scored twice in the first half alone to add to his count against the Commanders. When the game was finished, Barkley had 15 carries, 118 yards and three touchdowns.

The Commanders missed defensive tackle Daron Payne during the game due to knee and finger injuries. Payne, one of the best run defenders in the league and a great defensive tackle, was sorely missed defending the interior runs.