In the Week 17 NFL game, the Lions failed to roar loud and suffered a 20-19 upset against the Cowboys. However, during the game, it was the last-minute situation that caught everyone’s attention immediately on the field. The team was penalized for not properly reporting Taylor Decker’s eligibility to the referee. Coach Campbell claimed that ’70 players were reported,’ but things remained unsettled and took a mysterious turn.

The Detroit Lions could have won with a two-point conversion attempt by Decker, but a penalty call cost them the game. Campbell attempted to persuade the referee, but matters did not turn in his favor. To add salt to the wound, the NFL released a memo containing a set of rules that caused quite a stir on the internet.

The NFL shared a memo after the controversial penalty call

In a recent X post by Around the NFL, they shared a memo video three days after the misunderstanding took place during the staggering showdown. The post read, “League sends video to teams regarding players with ineligible numbers reporting as eligible.”

The post outlined the rules that a team must follow before participating in a match. The NFL requires players to report their eligibility before the game to avoid any confusion, ensuring clear communication between the officials and the players.

Any offensive player numbered 50–79 or 90–99 is eligible as a pass receiver. This post serves as a warning to clubs to avoid such situations for the betterment of NFL norms. Additionally, the referee must be informed of the report “with physical signs up and down his chest” and “with his intention to report as an eligible receiver.”

However, in the Lions’ situation, Brad Allen claimed that he wasn’t informed about Decker’s eligibility but only about offensive lineman Dan Skipper’s availability. Football viewers all across seem to be enraged with the decision of the penalty and the backing provided by the league. Even journalist Rich Eisen expected more clarity from the referee in a game at such a crucial stage.

As the echoes of anger and disappointment persist in the minds of the spectators, the question remains: What precisely transpired on that fateful day?

The Lions Week 17 game turns into a heartbreak!

In the Week 17 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys, the Lions found themselves ensnared in an unexpected trap that head coach Campbell had never envisioned. The critical incident unfolded after an attempted touchdown when Coach Campbell opted for a two-pointer to secure victory. Lions’ quarterback Goff targeted Decker in the end zone, but a referee flagged Decker for illegal touching. Despite Campbell’s insistence that he had previously informed the official about Decker’s eligibility, the referee held his ground, and Decker incurred the penalty.

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The situation sparked controversy, especially for the Lions’ head coach. This became evident in his recent press conference after the game, where he faced repeated questions about the penalty call. Losing his temper during the conference, he remarked, “I don’t like losing the game.” Although he later apologized to settle the issue, the situation continues to capture attention due to its controversial nature.

While the coach in his latest comment mentioned about “moving forward” and taking the right lessons from the game, it would be hard for the fans to swallow the bitter pill of this close defeat. What do you think of the unfortunate defeat of the Lions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Read More: Outrageous, Indefensible”: Nick Wright Condemns Dan Campbell’s ‘Emotional Coaching’ as Crucial Mistake Makes Lions Fall vs. Cowboys.