The Detroit Lions are the NFC’s top-ranked offense, so they don’t need much help. However, Jared Goff and Company got a hand from the NFL officials who called Saturday’s NFL Divisional Round playoff game against the Washington Commanders with a bogus face mask call.
Facing 3rd-and-2, Lions running back David Montgomery was met in the backfield by Commanders defensive end Dante Fowler for what should have been a three-yard loss at the Lions’ 25-yard line. Yet, officials flagged Fowler for a face mask, giving the Lions 15 yards and an automatic first down.
However, replay showed Fowler’s hand grabbing Montgomery at his shoulder pad and yanking him to the ground. Officials must have seen Fowler’s hands, Montgomery’s head position, and the yank and assumed Fowler grabbed the ball carrier by his mask.
Unfortunately, penalties are not reviewable. The Lions got the first down, the drive continued, and the Lions ultimately capped off the 12-play, 76-yard drive with an eight-yard touchdown from Jamyr Gibbs, his second of the game.
Many were not happy with the blown call on social media:
The Lions’ touchdown cut their deficit against the Commanders to 31-28. However, the drive should have stalled back in Detroit territory with a punt.
