The Devastating News Spreads as NFL admits costly mistake that have doomed Detroit Lions’ Super Bowl hopes based on the Controversial Play

The Detroit Lions’ playoff run ended tragically when they lost to the Washington

Commanders in the Divisional Round. However, the NFL’s recent admission that a missed penalty might have been a crucial turning point in the game that ultimately resulted in the Lions’ defeat has rekindled ire among the team’s supporters.

NFL Supporters of the Detroit Lions

The Contentious Play

When Detroit quarterback Jared Goff fired a throw with just over five minutes left in the first half of the game, Washington safety Quan Martin was able to intercept it. Goff was knocked out of the play by a vicious hit to the head by Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu as Martin started to return for a score.

Tom Pelissero: https://twitter.com/status/1883260321705697541?
After being assessed for a concussion, Goff missed the ensuing series but subsequently passed the concussion protocol to resume playing. Nevertheless, the harm was already done. Luvu was struck in the head, but the play did not result in a penalty. Instead of having the ball 15 yards back from the foul point, the Lions were down 24–14 when the interception return for a score stood.

Since then, the NFL has acknowledged that Goff should have been given a roughing the passer penalty for the blow on his head. Luvu was charged with a $16,883 punishment for roughing up the passer by striking the head or neck. Martin’s touchdown would have been ruled out if a penalty had been called, giving the Lions improved field position and possession of the ball.

Would It Have Affected the Result?

The missed penalty definitely changed the outcome of the game, but it’s tough to say for sure. The play appeared to be crucial because the Lions were behind 17–14 and the defense was having trouble holding the Commanders. Detroit would have kept possession and perhaps had a chance to take the lead again before halftime if the penalty had been applied. Rather, the Lions had to play from a distance and ultimately lost 45-31.

This missed call still hurts, even though the Lions’ defense had a rough night. Fans and players alike felt that the game might have been permanently changed by this blown call, even if the NFL has admitted the error. Who knows what might have happened if the penalty had been called correctly? In order to bounce back from this season’s setbacks, the Lions will need to turn their attention to the summer and start getting ready for a new one.

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