Detroit – The Detroit Lions edged the Green Bay Packers 20-17 on Sunday in a flag‑filled showdown that left fans and analysts questioning several officiating decisions. The game, played at Ford Field, featured multiple penalties that went against the Packers, prompting former quarterback and Fox commentator Tom Brady to voice strong objections on the broadcast.
Key disputed calls
Brady’s first grievance came after defensive tackle Karl Brooks was flagged for roughing the passer late in the fourth quarter. “You can’t keep tacking on 15 yards,” Brady said, arguing the hit was a standard tackle. Former NFL officiating vice president Dean Blandino agreed, calling the play “teach‑tape” and not a roughing‑the‑passer foul.
A second roughing‑the‑passer penalty was assessed to defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. in the third quarter. While Brady and Blandino were less forceful on this call, they still suggested the hit did not merit a penalty.
Packers quarterback Jordan Love also faced an intentional grounding call after a pass toward tight end Tucker Kraft failed to reach the line of scrimmage. Brady defended Love, stating the ball was “certainly in the direction” of the receiver and should not have been penalized. Referee Alex Moore explained that, because the quarterback was outside the tackle box, the pass must actually reach the intended receiver to avoid an intentional grounding penalty.
Additional controversy
Brady even took issue with a Lions penalty, arguing that linebacker Derrick Barnes’ contact with running back MarShawn Lloyd did not constitute unnecessary roughness. “He’s just turning his right shoulder away from it,” Brady said, noting that such a play is allowed the vast majority of the time.
In the third quarter, Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown was tackled, got up, and continued running before defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt delivered a second hit. Wyatt was flagged for unnecessary roughness, though Packers coach Matt LaFleur and Wyatt both said they did not hear a whistle before the second tackle.
Coaches’ perspectives
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell, known for his aggressive play‑calling, elected to go for it on fourth‑and‑1 from his own 24‑yard line with under five minutes left in a tie game. The attempt fell short, but Campbell correctly anticipated that the Lions would regain possession after a missed field goal by Packers rookie Trey Smack.
After the missed 35‑yard attempt, the Lions secured the win when kicker Jake Bates converted a 22‑yard field goal as time expired. The decisive drive also featured a neutral‑zone infraction call on Brooks, which helped the Lions run down the clock before the final kick.
Fan reaction and the broader picture
The abundance of penalties sparked heated discussion among fans and analysts, many of whom felt the officiating crew’s decisions disproportionately impacted the Packers. While the Lions celebrated the victory, the Packers left the field with unanswered questions about the consistency of the calls.
Both teams will look to address these issues as they prepare for the next round of games, with the Packers hoping to rebound from the loss and the Lions aiming to build on their hard‑fought win.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
