After Jordan Matthews ran 41 yards into the end zone on Sunday night for the overtime win against the Cowboys, he threw the ball into the stands and one thought crossed his mind.
“Right after I did it, I was like, ‘I hope they don’t fine me,’” Matthews said. “I’m an economics major. When I got in [the end zone], I heard [Josh] Huff say, 'Throw it, throw it! Just do it!’ If I do get fined, I’m coming to him for part of it.” [CSNPhilly.com]
On Friday afternoon, the NFL fined Matthews $5,787, which is the typical amount for first offenders when it comes to throwing a ball in the stands.
Matthews finished Sunday with nine catches for 133 yards and the game-winning touchdown, which is due in part to backup quarterback Mark Sanchez, who spoke to Matthews before the final play of the game.
"The one thing I want you thinking when we run this play is patience," Sanchez said, according to Matthews. "Be patient. Do not rush it. Because if you rush it, you're going to come back to the sideline [and] you're going to be mad at yourself.
"So just the whole time we run it, be like 'Patience, patience, patience,' and then the second you feel him coming up over you — whether it's underneath or over top of you — throw him through and get out and the ball should be there." [CBSSports.com]
The advice paid off as Sam Bradford hit Matthews in stride to win the game, 33-27, in overtime.
Brandon Apter is a contributor for Eagledelphia.com
