Refs Missed Tripping Call Before Controversial Penalty in Lions vs Cowboys Game
A missed call in the Detroit Lions vs Dallas Cowboys game has sparked controversy and highlighted ongoing issues with NFL officiating.
Missed Call Leads to Controversial Penalty
A missed call late in Saturday night's game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys led to an even higher-profile error in what has escalated into the latest and most egregious example that the NFL has an officiating issue.
The latest controversy surrounding referee Brad Allen and his officiating crew -- involving an overturned 2-point conversion by the Lions -- may have been avoided if not for another missed call on the Cowboys' previous possession.
Allen's officiating crew is expected to be downgraded, which will influence whether those officials are chosen for the postseason.
Tripping Call Mistake
The Cowboys owned a 17-13 lead when they intercepted Jared Goff at the Lions' 29-yard line with 2:05 remaining. Tony Pollard's 7-yard run on the ensuing play was called back after Dallas tight end Peyton Hendershot was called for tripping, and the Cowboys faced a first-and-25 on the Lions' 44.
Video of that initial first-down play, reviewed by ESPN, showed that Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson -- not Hendershot -- should have been the one flagged for attempting to trip Pollard. The NFL has not commented on the tripping call mistake as of Sunday morning.
Impact on the Game and Controversial Call
A penalty against the Lions on that play would have set up the Cowboys with a first down after the two-minute warning and a chance to run more of the clock while forcing the Lions to use their remaining timeouts.
Instead, the Cowboys called three consecutive passing plays to get back into field goal range and took a 20-13 lead on Brandon Aubrey's 43-yard field goal with 1:41 remaining. That turned out to be more than enough time for the Lions to score a touchdown and set the stage for the controversial call on Detroit's ensuing 2-point conversion attempt.
The Lions trimmed their deficit to 20-19 on Goff's touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown with 23 seconds remaining and opted to go for the 2-point conversion. Taylor Decker hauled in what would have been the go-ahead catch, but officials flagged the Lions offensive lineman for an illegal touching penalty for not reporting as eligible.
