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NFL refs are being scrutinized once again after a missed pass interference call on the Rams’ final drive against the Lions. On the play, it appeared wideout Puka Nacua was grabbed before having a chance to make a play, resulting in an incomplete pass that effectively ended a Los Angeles possession.
Many immediately noted the gaffe as the Lions would take over and run out the rest of the clock in a 24-23 victory.
Facing a 3rd and 14 late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Matt Stafford turned to his young playmaker with the game on the line. Nacua already had nine catches for 181 yards and a score on the night.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t given the opportunity to make his 10th grab.
As Stafford fired the pass towards his receiver, a Detroit defender took hold of Nacua’s jersey, giving him a quick tug as he went back for the ball. No flag was thrown, setting up a fourth and long.
You be the judge.
Pick One:
1. Defensive Holding
2. Pass Interference
3. Late Hit pic.twitter.com/HWuVhx5liC— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) January 15, 2024
It seems pretty clear from replay that contact was made with the pass in the air. An interference or defensive holding call would’ve resulted in a first down and continued a Los Angeles drive that had moved into Detroit territory. A go-ahead field goal could’ve potentially followed.
Instead, the Rams were forced to punt and wouldn’t get the ball back. They’d eventually fall by a point to be eliminated from the playoffs.
“It doesn’t get much more BLATANT than that. This is just disgusting.”
“Worst game I’ve ever seen called by refs.”
Rams also benefitted from the refs vs Lions.
While that pass interference call was maybe the most impactful of the contest, Los Angeles also benefitted from some calls that went against Detroit.
Nice punt, Jack#LARvsDET |📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/aVrBWo46oP
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
ESPN’s Matthew Berry responded to that false start call which went against the Lions by saying, “What an awful call. Instead of 1st down Lions in Rams territory… it’s now Rams ball. Clearly offsides on the Rams. Once again, refs jobbing the Lions.”
Of course, Detroit was recently on the wrong side of a brutal call in a matchup against the Cowboys that would eventually cost them the game.
After appearing to check in with the officiating crew prior to a two-point play, offensive lineman Taylor Decker hauled in a go-ahead reception that appeared to give the Lions a late one-point lead.
After some time, officials met and ruled that Decker had not, in fact, reported, dubbing him an ineligible receiver.
Detroit would lose, 21-20.
All is right in the world thanks to Dallas’s blowout loss against the Packers in the opening round of the NFL Playoffs as Detroit will now, rightfully, get to host another postseason game. Unfortunately, it came at the expense of the Rams – who believe the refs took away a game that was theirs to win!