Yeah, of all the things people have nitpicked, this one has gone pretty unnoticed. Not crazy that he thinks that’s a good play regardless of the helmet swipe. The DB read that all the way and he was late on it.
My memory of the play had me agreeing with those who have been questioning Murray's belief that the play would've been a TD absent the helmet grab. But after re-watching the highlight of that play several times, i can see why he might be right.
First of all, the helmet grab does look as though it affects the trajectory of the ball. It happens while Murray's arm is still moving forward with the ball.
And by the time the camera pans downfield, Kirk is sandwiched between two defenders. But it looks as though Kirk and the deeper defender have just changed course to come back to the ball, allowing the shallower defender to catch up to them.
It's possible that if the ball had gone on its intended trajectory, Kirk could've caught it in stride running left, in front of the deeper defender and well ahead of the trailing defender.
The all-22 should be enlightening.
...dave