In the contentious 20-19 road defeat to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, offensive lineman Taylor Decker of the Detroit Lions gave his version of events.
With twenty-three seconds remaining, Jared Goff connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a touchdown to bring the score to one. Dan Campbell decided against playing overtime and went for a two-point conversion, which looked to be successful when Goff connected with Decker in the end zone.
But Decker paid the price for being a man who wasn’t allowed to be in the play. Even so, Goff’s pass to James Mitchell was incomplete as Detroit attempted to go for two.
With a narrow one-point victory, Dallas managed to maintain their slender aspirations of winning the NFC East.
According to WXYZ Detroit’s Brad Galli, Decker informed reporters that he had spoken with the official. The standout offensive tackle continued by saying he didn’t receive an explanation for the call.
“I followed coach’s instructions ” .Decker stated, “went to the ref…said report.”
Lions tackle Taylor Decker said the referee did not offer any explanation on the penalty. He was shocked the play was flagged. pic.twitter.com/mpLb5qxcJC
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 31, 2023
After the game, head official Brad Allen told Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News that while Dan Skipper (No. 70) reported eligible, Decker (No. 68) did not.
Cowboys-Lions pool report: pic.twitter.com/RTBq4iZgmt
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) December 31, 2023
Whether the regulation was appropriately implemented or not, the NFL is facing yet another dispute involving officiating.
