Detroit Lions fans say team was 'screwed' by refs late in 20-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys
It was a familiar story for the Detroit Lions in its 20-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys — a controversial flag changed the outcome in the game, ultimately leading to a painful defeat for the Lions.
The Lions started a drive from its own 25 with 1:41 left, and drove 75 yards in just over a minute to score a touchdown from Amon-Ra St. Brown to make it 20-19 with 23 seconds left. Dan Campbell kept the offense on the field for the 2-point conversion attempt to play for the win.
Dan Skipper checked into the game as an eligible receiver, and the Lions ran a play-action pass. Goff found left tackle Taylor Decker wide open for the conversion, but he was called for illegal touching after failing to report to the referees as an eligible receiver.
In the clip below, you can see Decker approach a referee, along with Skipper and Penei Sewell, for a conversation before the play, but the referees never acknowledged him as an eligible receiver. Following the game, Skipper told reporters he did not report to the referees as an eligible receiver, and Decker said he did.
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Why would Decker walk up to official and not report?
I guess maybe he didn’t but odd to walk there and not no? pic.twitter.com/QX3s2byAL3— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) December 31, 2023
So it looks like the Lions' OL did report to the ref, who then says something to the Cowboys defense.
But it was an illegal formation and ineligible man downfield anyway. pic.twitter.com/FO41pFhF2K— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 31, 2023
I am going to guess: Decker declares as eligible here, Sewell and Skipper as ineligible. Which is why all 3 communicate with the official.
Lions are essentially shifting the OL, with Decker as a new TE. Sewell and Skipper as new right side of OL.
Ref crew just gets confused. https://t.co/7F9YrZeq2n pic.twitter.com/nf1c5P23ME— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) December 31, 2023
The #Lions are trying to run interference to make the #Cowboys think Skipper is running onto the field and reporting when in reality it’s Decker. Slow mo replay showed Skipper saying, “I didn’t say a f—ing word!” Clearly planned and practiced. Brad Allen announced Skipper though. https://t.co/Flos1flGhr
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 31, 2023
Dan Skipper said he did not report as eligible to the officials on the 2pt play that got called back. Decker said he reported.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) December 31, 2023
Coach Campbell on the end of the game. pic.twitter.com/xo0rQQi9C4
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 31, 2023
The penalty sent the entire Lions' offensive line and Campbell into an angered frenzy, as the coaching staff and Decker swore they did what they were supposed to for the trick play to be legal. The Lions were pushed back to the 7-yard line and went for 2 again, but a Micah Parsons offsides gave them a third attempt.
On the third try, Goff tried to hit James Mitchell in the flat, but the pass was too low and fell incomplete.
The fury among Lions fans online following the loss was palpable. Old scars from the 2014 playoff loss and the non-called pass interference that helped decide that game were re-opened. Detroit fans went straight to saying the Lions were screwed over and the NFL rigged the game in Dallas' favor.
Lions fans right now pic.twitter.com/Xj9lIf1Vnt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 31, 2023
Live look at Lions fans pic.twitter.com/5aPNV0OYd3
— PFF (@PFF) December 31, 2023
NFL officiating when the Lions play the Cowboys: pic.twitter.com/FNTKrc3IoX
— Miguel Cabrera’s Bat (Benson) (@Miggysbat) December 31, 2023
The NFL screwing over the Detroit Lions in Dallas on a questionable decision by the referees in the final minute.
Tell me if you’ve heard this before.— Al Karsten (@bigalfredosauce) December 31, 2023
Lions literally got the win taken away on a fluke. Don’t blame that loss on Campbell going for it
— Omari Sankofa II (@omarisankofa) December 31, 2023
Lions fans watching them get screwed by the Referees again cause the NFL is rigged pic.twitter.com/WXxKFVhVyB
— Blake Garman (@FrostedBlakes34) December 31, 2023
Think about this logically; The Lions likely have had that play call in their book for over a year. They’ve practiced it over and over again. The ball is meant to go to LITERALLY one person. Decker has it coded into his brain to report.
He does exactly what he’s supposed to do.…— 🍑 is trying his best (@msupeach) December 31, 2023
JARED GOFF TOLD THE LEFT TACKLE TO REPORT.
THE NFL BLATANTLY RIGGED A GAME. #Cowboys | #Lions
pic.twitter.com/IUaJ8xdJXf— Chase (@Chase6D) December 31, 2023
Refs genuinely just stole a win from the #Lions disgusting.
— Aaron Burnside (@BigBallerBurny) December 31, 2023
THIS MAN JUST GAVE THE COWBOYS A FREE WIN. #Cowboys | #Lions pic.twitter.com/7Va5KQeuOl
— Chase (@Chase6D) December 31, 2023
The Detroit @Lions are the better team. I don’t care who says otherwise.
Simply heartbreaking 💔— Natalie Sparbeck (@NatSparbeck) December 31, 2023
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions 'screwed' by refs in 20-19 loss to Cowboys, fans say
