The NFL made a mockery of its own product on “Sunday Night Football.”
With the Eagles facing a third down with 1:51 remaining in a 16-9 game and a one timeout remaining for Detroit, a critical pass went wayward from Jalen Hurts, which would have given Lions the ball back and a chance to tie the game. That was until a phantom defensive pass interference call essentially ended the game.
After the game, crew chief official Alex Kemp was made available to a pool reporter postgame to discuss the controversy.
The explanation will not placate Lions fans with even broadcaster Cris Collinsworth call the flag “absolutely terrible” in the moment.
“The official observed the receiver’s arm getting grabbed and restricting him from going up to make the catch,” Kemp said. “So, the ball was in the air, there was a grab at the arm, restricted him, and he called defensive pass interference.”
Kemp was not the referee who made the call that infuriated fans; that honor goes to field judge Lo Van Pham.
Lions corner Rock Ya-Sin pointed at Pham with a big smile as soon as the flag was thrown on a ball that was borderline uncatchable.
Some had argued that the call should have been offensive pass interference on receiver AJ Brown, who was jostling for position just as hard as Ya-Sin on the play.
The loss dropped the Lions to 6-4 and knocked them out of first place in the NFC North. The Eagles improved to 8-2 with the victory.
