Atlanta Falcons

Pederson: Neal’s hit on Matthews, should have been a penalty, per NFL

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles looses control of the ball as he is hit by Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter during a game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Jordan Matthews #81 of the Philadelphia Eagles looses control of the ball as he is hit by Keanu Neal #22 of the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter during a game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
By D. Orlando Ledbetter
Nov 16, 2016

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said the NFL office told him that Falcons safety Keanu Neal’s hit on wide receiver Jordan Matthews should have been a penalty.

Pederson talked to the Philadelphia media Wednesday.

Neal got in trouble by leading with his helmet in to the neck-and-head area on Matthews in the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ 24-15 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

The receiver protested the non-call and said that his face mask was bent on the play.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn defended Neal’s hit, and the Neal contended that it was not a bad hit.

Neal likely will be fined for the hit.

Here’s what Neal had to say after the game.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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