TAMPA, FLORIDA – JANUARY 23: Eric Weddle #20 of the Los Angeles Rams hits Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the head in the fourth quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
When Rams safety Eric Weddle popped Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans with a late hit to the helmet, it looked like Los Angeles had committed a costly fourth-quarter penalty in their divisional round game.
The Bucs faced a fourth-and-14 down two scores and in Los Angeles territory. Tom Brady looked for Evans for the completion and the first down, but it was broken up by Jalen Ramsey. A couple of seconds later, Weddle laid a late hit on Evans.
While it looked like Tampa Bay would be getting a first down, the officials explained that because the ball hit the ground before the hit was made, the penalty was enforced in between downs.
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As a result, the Buccaneers were forced to turn the ball over to the Rams and remained down 27-13.
