Refs In Lions-Cowboys Game Will Be ‘Downgraded’ And Likely Won’t Work Playoffs After Several Missed Calls This Season

Getty Image

The refs in the Lions-Cowboys game will likely not work the playoffs after being involved in another controversial call.

On Saturday night, the NFL’s primetime game ended in controversy when the Lions were penalized for not reporting offensive lineman Taylor Decker as an eligible receiver on a crucial two-point conversion.

Decker claims he reported to ref Brad Allen, while Allen insists he did not.

The refs who worked Saturday’s game had already been involved in several controversies this season, including a big missed pass interference call in the Chiefs-Packers game a few weeks ago.

During ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown show, Adam Schefter reported that the crew who worked Saturday’s game will be downgraded and likely removed from being able to work the playoffs.

“A large part of Brad Allen’s crew is not going to be officiating in the postseason,” he said. “They’re going to get downgraded, and the chances are that many of them are not going to be involved in the postseason.”

Unfortunately for the Lions, their loss against the Cowboys could have a huge negative impact in their playoff position.

Via Adam Schefter/X

Implications of Detroit’s controversial Saturday night loss:

🏈If Detroit had won, it would have secured, at worst, the No. 2 seed in the NFC with another win next week.

🏈If Detroit had won last night and again in Week 18, and if SF lost one game, the Lions would have claimed the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

🏈With Detroit’s loss, it now is expected to be the No. 3 seed and would need significant help to have any chance of moving up.

🏈A potential divisional playoff game against the NFC East winner would have been in Detroit, but now is more than likely going to be an away game if it gets to that point.