In the Week 9 matchup against the Jaguars, the game dynamics took a dramatic turn in the third quarter when Eagles running back Saquon Barkley experienced a controversial moment. Up until then, Barkley had been a standout performer, having exceeded 100 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns. His acrobatics were particularly notable, especially a highlight-reel backward hurdle that left spectators astounded. However, the tide changed as Barkley's fortune reversed significantly.

During a critical play, Barkley was handed the ball and appeared to encounter mishap through a trip or a shoestring tackle. As he navigated through his offensive line, he tumbled and seemed to hit the ground naturally enough for a fumble. The ball came loose upon him hitting the turf and was promptly claimed by a Jaguars defender. Witnesses and analysts initially believed that contact with the ground caused the fumble. However, the officiating crew saw it differently, as no whistle was blown. This pivotal moment turned into a scoring opportunity for the Jaguars.

Jaguars defender Travon Walker recovered the ball and nimbly evaded defenders to secure a touchdown. The lack of whistles or flags during the run led to frustration and confusion among fans and players alike. Upon review, the initial ruling—a fumble followed by a Jacksonville return touchdown—stood firm. The play was concluded razor swiftly with confirmation.

The logic from the review official indicated that Barkley stumbled due to contact with his own lineman's foot. This made the fumble legitimate, granting Walker the opportunity to score. CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore added his perspective, suggesting that a diving touch from a Jaguars defender impacted Barkley's stride, prompting his subsequent fall. Though Steratore interpreted this as potential 'down by contact', indicating that the ball should have stayed with the Eagles, game officials maintained a different stance.

Ultimately, the play remained controversial, with opinions sharply divided. Referee analysis suggested the defender's touch disrupted Barkley just enough, leading him to inadvertently collide with his own lineman and lose possession. Despite this interpretation, the game officials opted for the fumble ruling, resulting in a crucial touchdown for the Jaguars that influenced the course of the game.