Report: NFL Also Tells Cowboys That Refs Missed Multiple Penalties By Lions
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
CBS DETROIT - Every week, NFL teams turn in to the league plays they believe officials called incorrectly. Every week, there are discussions of those plays. This particular week, because of the controversy in Sunday's wild-card playoff game between the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys, those conversations have suddenly become hot topics.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that the NFL admitted to the Lions that they missed at least two calls against the Cowboys, including a hold that took place during the game-winning drive by Dallas.
Wednesday, Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill reported that the NFL also conceded it had missed multiple infractions that hurt Dallas.
Just in keeping with fairness, the NFL has told the Cowboys that game officials missed several penalties against the Lions
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 7, 2015
Among the flags missed were illegal hands to fade that were so blatant that it knocked off Jermey Parnells helmet.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 7, 2015
There was also a defensive hold on Jason Witten on the play before the 4th and 6
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 7, 2015
Run tell that
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 7, 2015
The Cowboys sent in 10 plays to the league to get reviewed as they do every week. At least 7 came back in their favor.
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 7, 2015
The league did not agree with the Cowboys on both running into the punter penalty and non penalty. The Lions did not run into Chris Jones
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) January 7, 2015
Not mentioned among Hill's tweets was the most polarizing referee action of the game, the one that spurred reaction from even President Barack Obama. Midway through the fourth quarter, with the Lions driving, officials flagged Dallas for pass interference, announced the penalty, and then picked up the flag without explanation. Instead of first down, it was fourth down. After the Lions took a delay-of-game penalty, Sam Martin punted only 10 yards, and Dallas went on to win, 24-20.