The fallout of the NFL’s most recent miscue, a blown call in the Detroit Lions’ last-second loss to the Dallas Cowboys, continues, with head coach Dan Campbell again discussing it on Monday. Campbell and the Lions converted on the would-be go-ahead two-point conversion in Saturday’s epic 20-19 loss, but a flag negated the play. The refs ruled offensive tackle Taylor Decker, the recipient of the game-winning catch, as an illegal receiver. However, video footage has shown that Decker reported eligible to head referee Brad Allen, and the conversion should have counted. The Lions went for it again but failed to convert.
Head Coach Dan Campbell Speaks to Media on Monday
Detroit Lions bench boss Dan Campbell spoke to the media on Monday, and when pressed about his feelings surrounding Saturday’s loss, he said, “I got controlled fury, and I’m ready to go. I am absolutely ready to go. We’re on a mission. We’re not going to feel sorry for ourselves. We had plays to make, and we didn’t make them. It’s a tight game, a good opponent, playoff-type atmosphere, and you got to make that one extra play that we didn’t.”
Social media went into a frenzy on Saturday night, with NFL head ref Brad Allen calling offensive tackle Taylor Decker ineligible when catching the potential game-winning two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter. Detroit opted for a two-point try instead of tying the game with an extra-point opportunity. Using an unbalanced formation, the Lions threw to an open Decker, the last man on the line of scrimmage on the left side. Footage replay shows Decker reporting to the head referee, but the play did not stand. Outrage filled social media, with fans calling for Allen to receive repercussions. According to sources, the NFL has stepped in, suspending Allen and his crew for the 2023 postseason.
Campbell continued, saying, “We will use this as fuel. I got pure octane right now. I woke, I’m ready, so we’re moving forward.”
Detroit Lions: Seeding Scenarios
With Saturday’s heartbreaking and controversial loss, the Lions can no longer earn the top seed in the NFC. Instead, Detroit will play for the second or third seed in the conference. Dan Campbell’s squad can earn the second-best seed with a win over the Minnesota Vikings, a Cowboys loss against the Washington Commanders, and an Eagles loss at the New York Giants. Any other combination and the Lions earn the third seed. Regardless, Detroit will host a playoff game in the Wild Card Round, but avoiding a road playoff matchup will be improbable.