2014-15 NFC Wild Card: Lions at Cowboys

[JS22]

One play did not cost the Lions the game.

Calls go both ways all the time. People are just furious because of the way it was handled. That, I understand. I've seen much worse things NOT called PI in plenty of games. Dallas had a few iffy calls go against them in the 1st half. Just like Detroit had a few iffy calls go against them. It happens in every single game.

What about Detroit clamming up and not going for it on 4th and 1? Then completely shanking the punt? A 1st down could have ended the game. And even if they don't get it, they should be confident in their D. (One of the best in the NFL.) On the other side you've got Garrett going for it on 4th and 6. One team played scared and the other didn't.

One "bad" call doesn't change the fact that Det had plenty of other opportunities in the game. Hell, they were gifted a second chance on their final drive after Stafford fumbled and, for whatever stupid reason, Lawrence decided it would be a good idea to try and run with the ball, giving it right back to the Lions. What does Stafford do? Turn right back around and fumble the ball again.

If no flag is thrown you've got a few people complaining that it should have been PI. But it's fairly meaningless since it happens in every single game. The refs totally botched the whole situation which has put everyone into a frenzy.

 

[JS22]

Can you honestly say you've ever seen a PI that was called on an obviously catchable pass overturned? I can't recall one. Tell me you've really witnessed that. Lol

Did they miss the face ask? Yes, but they also missed the most obvious which was defensive holding. How about Dez screaming at the refs in the middle of the field with his helmet off? It's my understanding that would've been enforced regardless of offsetting penalties

The Lions got hosed & it likely cost them the game.

Wouldn't they offset each other then? (Legitimate question. I'm not 100% sure.)

Bryant is a different story. I was surprised a flag wasn't thrown there. Although from what I've read the officials almost always give them a warning and chance to leave the field. But if you take your helmet off while you're on the field it's a totally different story. That seems a little odd to me though.

If anything more people should be complaining about that than the iffy PI.

 

[UncleChris]

Bad reversal by the refs on the pass interference. Cost the Lions the game....

 

[Iceman]

I never understand these types of comments. Do people really think that the league throws games so bigger market / more popular teams advance?

This whole thing would have been much less painful if the refs simply got together for a second before making the announcement. They could have easily picked up the flag and said that there was no penalty for pass interference on the play. But they completely botched the situation.

And nobody seems to be mentioning the facemask by Pettigrew before the alleged PI. Hard to turn around and make a play on the ball when you're being grabbed by your facemask.

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Just make some type of call if the flag was thrown. Don't pick up the flag. Make a call and stick to it. If it was a facemask and PI, call it. By saying there was no penalty after the flag was thrown, is making this the big issue. That's what frustrated me.

Oh well, I am a Panther, Packer and Cowboy fan right now because I would rather have any one of these teams go to the SB than sorry ass Seattle

 

[JS22]

Just make some type of call if the flag was thrown. Don't pick up the flag. Make a call and stick to it. If it was a facemask and PI, call it. By saying there was no penalty after the flag was thrown, is making this the big issue. That's what frustrated me.

Oh well, I am a Panther, Packer and Cowboy fan right now because I would rather have any one of these teams go to the SB than sorry ass Seattle

Realistically GB has the best chance. (If Rodgers is healthy.) Even though Dallas went up to Seattle and beat them this season. But Seattle is on such a tear right now that I'm pretty confident we'll see ol' Pete chewing his gum all the way to the Superbowl.

 

[jmt]

The Lions blew the game. Caldwell is a wimp for punting on 4th and 1 and he got a five yard punt for his effort. I hate the Cowboys and was rooting for Detroit but not sad they are gone. They stink. Stafford is 0-18 against winning teams on the road. 'Nuff said.

 

[NJCardFan]

Straight from the NFL Rulebook http://www.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/rulebook/pdfs/15_Rule12_Player_Conduct.pdf:

REMOVAL OF HELMET
(h) Removal of his helmet by a player in the field of play during a celebration or during a confrontation
with a game official or any other player.

More from the rulebook as it pertains to pass interference. Article 2(a) absolutely pertains to the play in question:

PROHIBITED ACTS
Article 2 Prohibited Acts by both teams while the ball is in the air. Acts that are pass interference include, but are not
limited to:
(a) Contact by a player who is not playing the ball that restricts the opponent’s opportunity to make the catch.
(b) Playing through the back of an opponent in an attempt to make a play on the ball.
(c) Grabbing an opponent’s arm(s) in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass.
(d) Extending an arm across the body of an opponent, thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, and regardless of
whether the player committing such act is playing the ball.
(e) Cutting off the path of an opponent by making contact with him, without playing the ball.
(f) Hooking an opponent in an attempt to get to the ball in such a manner that it causes the opponent’s body to turn prior
to the ball arriving.
(g) Initiating contact with an opponent by shoving or pushing off, thus creating a separation in an attempt to catch a pass.
Note: If there is any question whether player contact is incidental, the ruling should be no interference.

Hitchens is clearly not playing the ball and actually has his back to the play. Why do you think he threw up his hands? He knew he was hit.

 

[Lorenzo]

The Lions blew the game. Caldwell is a wimp for punting on 4th and 1 and he got a five yard punt for his effort. I hate the Cowboys and was rooting for Detroit but not sad they are gone. They stink. Stafford is 0-18 against winning teams on the road. 'Nuff said.

Excellent points. Before the game a writer on the Detroit free press said he thought the difference in this game is that the Cowboys could run the ball in key moments of the game and Detroit could not. I think he knew what he was talking about. On third and one with a 4th qtr lead you hand the ball off. Dallas did it twice when they were behind on third and fourth down to get a td. If they get stopped game over.

 

[Lorenzo]

Straight from the NFL Rulebook http://www.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/rulebook/pdfs/15_Rule12_Player_Conduct.pdf:



More from the rulebook as it pertains to pass interference. Article 2(a) absolutely pertains to the play in question:



Hitchens is clearly not playing the ball and actually has his back to the play. Why do you think he threw up his hands? He knew he was hit.

To me the dez situation is more of a sideline violation. He wasn't even in the game when it happened. He could of been flagged or warned. And in the heat of the moment the refs may not have even realized what happened. He will likely get a "suh" treatment from the nfl. He's lucky he didn't get flagged.

 

[Lorenzo]

Straight from the NFL Rulebook http://www.nfl.com/static/content/public/image/rulebook/pdfs/15_Rule12_Player_Conduct.pdf:



More from the rulebook as it pertains to pass interference. Article 2(a) absolutely pertains to the play in question:



Hitchens is clearly not playing the ball and actually has his back to the play. Why do you think he threw up his hands? He knew he was hit.

I thought i heard From the refs mouths they said one official threw the flag for face guarding which is not a penalty in the nfl. Is this true?

In real speed it was very difficult to see the contact. We look at the replay they don't. So we can dog them but what they missed was the contact and they didn't communicate in a professional manner.

 

[Jetstream Green]

The refs screwed up big time. The pending result is going to be a call against Dallas against an opponent which is a lot more dangerous than the Lions in the proceeding game. This is how the NFL compensates for screw ups because the backlash on this call is huge and all over the place... and I am going to grin with satisfaction when it happens

 

[JS22]

To me the dez situation is more of a sideline violation. He wasn't even in the game when it happened. He could of been flagged or warned. And in the heat of the moment the refs may not have even realized what happened. He will likely get a "suh" treatment from the nfl. He's lucky he didn't get flagged.

Blowhard Colin Cowherd made the same point that I made about Bryant. Players are almost always given a warning, chance, whatever, to go back to the sideline. Different rule than taking your helmet off on the field.

Ever see 5+ guys leave the sideline after a big score? The refs never throw a flag there.

Weird rule? Absolutely. Did Bryant most likely get away with something? I'd say so. Even though, apparently, it's not an official rule.

 

[Lorenzo]

The refs screwed up big time. The pending result is going to be a call against Dallas against an opponent which is a lot more dangerous than the Lions in the proceeding game. This is how the NFL compensates for screw ups because the backlash on this call is huge and all over the place... and I am going to grin with satisfaction when it happens

Very true. It will happen. Cowboys fans still complain about no PI calls from the Pitt Super Bowl. Bad calls happen to every team at some point. This thought that it's only because its us or them is not accurate. It's highlighted in closer games and in this case the refs really botched the communication with the fans and each other like no other.

 

[Lorenzo]

Blowhard Colin Cowherd made the same point that I made about Bryant. Players are almost always given a warning, chance, whatever, to go back to the sideline. Different rule than taking your helmet off on the field.

Ever see 5+ guys leave the sideline after a big score? The refs never throw a flag there.

Weird rule? Absolutely. Did Bryant most likely get away with something? I'd say so. Even though, apparently, it's not an official rule.

Man I haven't listened to that guy in years. I bet he's giving it to all of the lion fans.

 

[Rivercard]

The Lions blew the game.

The PI puts them in FG range. Run some clock, kick the FG and it's a 2 score game with 3 or 4 minutes to go. They shouldn't have been put in the position to be able to blow the game in the first place unless they miss the FG or turn the ball over after the PI.

 

[BW52]

Only a completely bhlind homer can make the statement that the screwed up nows-its-a-penalty-now-its-not by the refs had no effect on the game.So I guess now its okay to run into the receiver waving your arms facing away from the throw.Is that a NFl rule or only a Dallas rule?

 

[Lorenzo]

The PI puts them in FG range. Run some clock, kick the FG and it's a 2 score game with 3 or 4 minutes to go. They shouldn't have been put in the position to be able to blow the game in the first place unless they miss the FG or turn the ball over after the PI.

I think you are mistaken. If Detroit kicks a field goal there they are up 6 and Dallas still could have won the game 24-23. Praetor isn't the best kicker either he almost missed a 39 yarder and even Bailey who is lights out missed a 41 yarder.

After the penalty there were 8 mins left and Dallas did a 5 min drive. And Detroit never got into scoring position for even a field goal had they had the opportunity to win or tie with a field goal.

 

[Lorenzo]

Only a completely bhlind homer can make the statement that the screwed up nows-its-a-penalty-now-its-not by the refs had no effect on the game.So I guess now its okay to run into the receiver waving your arms facing away from the throw.Is that a NFl rule or only a Dallas rule?

True if you get a call go in your favor you are going to be ok with it. That is a correct statement. Dallas needed some luck to come back from the first half deficit. They out scored det 17-3 in the second half including a chip shot missed by Bailey. Det had plenty of other opportunities to win with or without the ref

 

[BW52]

True if you get a call go in your favor you are going to be ok with it. That is a correct statement. Dallas needed some luck to come back from the first half deficit. They out scored det 17-3 in the second half including a chip shot missed by Bailey. Det had plenty of other opportunities to win with or without the ref

Dean Blandino (head of NFL officiating) admitted Dallas got away with one............got away with Hitchens holding the TE,pass interference and said Dez probably should have been penalized.Just a gutless move by the officials.Chicken**** move.

 

[nashman]

Dlas was flat out handed the game, the lions got robbed! They were driving and most likely would u leave scored had the refs not screwed them there! Don't give me the go for it on fourth down crap either they were leading and should have had a first! No coach is gonna want to go for it in that situation with Dallas clearly being handed calls! Detroit got royally screwed and probably now force the nfl to make some sort of review regarding crap like this!

 

[Lorenzo]

Dlas was flat out handed the game, the lions got robbed! They were driving and most likely would u leave scored had the refs not screwed them there! Don't give me the go for it on fourth down crap either they were leading and should have had a first! No coach is gonna want to go for it in that situation with Dallas clearly being handed calls! Detroit got royally screwed and probably now force the nfl to make some sort of review regarding crap like this!

The problem is how do you review a call that is supposed to be a judgement call? I heard Jerry jones say he is for reviewing PI. But I'm not because you are going to see even more flags and even more time watching the refs entertain us instead of the players. We expect the refs to get every call right but it seems like the more time goes on the nfl keeps adding more rules and reviews to try to please every fan and it backfires because we see and expect a penalty after every play. Often when a receiver doesn't catch a ball he asks for a flag. Often times a receiver or qb gets hit we ask for a call. Hell I wanted a flag on ansah for The Carson Palmer rule then i stopped and said listen to myself you are being a homer.

We see holding on almost every replay and we ask for a call. But lord forbid if it doesn't go our way there is a conspiracy lol. As time goes on we are asking more of the ref when we need them to just back up a little bit and let be players play. Unfortunately it's too late in today's nfl of let's review every play and blame someone beside the player that didn't make a play or the coach that made a bad decision.

 

[Lorenzo]

I'm glad to see Romo win. He gets too much undeserved crap from people.

Another good point. It's weird how romo leads the largest halftime come from behind victory in Cowboys playoff history yet not many non Cowboys fans want to mention that as you did. Or if you want to look at it from a non Cowboys spin it's a playoff game where romo doesn't fumble an extra point. Again not a headline. Strange

I wonder what the headline would have been with the botched call against dallas and romo fumbling the ball to lose the game as stafford did in the clutch?

 

[SoCal Cardfan]

Another good point. It's weird how romo leads the largest halftime come from behind victory in Cowboys playoff history yet not many non Cowboys fans want to mention that as you did. Or if you want to look at it from a non Cowboys spin it's a playoff game where romo doesn't fumble an extra point. Again not a headline. Strange

I wonder what the headline would have been with the botched call against dallas and romo fumbling the ball to lose the game as stafford did in the clutch?

Romo has deserved most of the criticism he has received IMO.

Yes he puts up great numbers, but in years past, his turnovers came at the worst possible times.

He's kinda like a rich man's Jake Plummer.... You marvel at some of the things he can do, and your excited by the furious comebacks in the 4th quarter, but when you go back and look at the tape, you realize it was their 2-3 boneheaded decisions that typically gave them the deficit.

 

[cardpa]

I just want to know how they picked up the flag against Newton for intentional grounding by claiming a receiver was in the vicinity and the only person I could see who was within 10 yds. of the ball was their RT.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

I just want to know how they picked up the flag against Newton for intentional grounding by claiming a receiver was in the vicinity and the only person I could see who was within 10 yds. of the ball was their RT.

Exactly. When the review went our way in the KC game it was explained that the replay ref is able to look at everything that happened on a given play once it is in their hands. If they are asked to review the spot of the ball and they realize there was a fumble on the play...they can report that.

IIRC, on the play with Cam the challenge was whether it was a forward pass or not. Once they ruled it was even though he was twisted...they should have looked at the lack of any receiver in the area.