Refs fall for Alex Smith’s prank and gift Washington with a field goal

Alex Smith is making things interesting for the Washington Football Team against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Try telling that to Alex Smith and the Washington Football Team. Despite being far from a canine creature, Smith has shown his ability to prank even the smartest of referees into giving him points.

That was extremely prevalent on Monday afternoon at Heinz Field.

During the closing minutes of the second quarter, Smith gingerly walked off the field with the football. For anyone who understands why this is a problem, it’s highly illegal for a player to bring the live ball out of play in order to stop the clock.

Well, the referees didn’t notice that was happening, called for a timeout and granted enough time for Washington to kick a 49-yard field goal will one second remaining to put the game at 14-3 in favor of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But look at that smile from Smith. He knew exactly what he was doing.

Smith with the trickery

Consider it a hidden ball trick of football. Smith instigated time in his favor, basically forcing the referees to believe the ball was lost and basically giving them points. Add in his bloody ankle and we’re looking at a reincarnation of the 2004 ALCS moment, in which Curt Schilling threw for a critical Game 6 win against the Yankees.

Overall, it was the only way for Smith and the offense to add points. So far against the stout Steelers’ defense, the veteran quarterback has gone 15-of-22 for 122 yards. On the flip side Ben Roethlisberger is struggling to go deep, but his 198 yards and two touchdowns have the Steelers ahead for now.

No matter the outcome of the game, never forget this play. It’s so on brand for a team without a name to gain points this way.