In the face of recent criticism, game officials from the Lions-Cowboys matchup have managed to secure another coveted assignment in the NFL. Despite facing scrutiny for their decisions in previous games, these officials have earned the trust of league authorities, granting them another high-profile opportunity.
The anticipation surrounding this appointment adds an intriguing layer to an already heated rivalry, with fans and analysts closely watching every call. The upcoming game promises to be a focal point of discussion within the football community.
Allen’s crew faces criticism for missed calls this season
Late in the Lions-Cowboys game, a missed call contributed to a significant error, highlighting ongoing criticism of NFL officiating. The controversy centered around an overturned 2-point conversion by the Lions, revealing deeper concerns about the league’s officiating quality.
Another missed call on the Cowboys’ previous possession added to the controversy surrounding referee Brad Allen and his crew. This missed call potentially influenced the outcome of the game and intensified the perception of officiating issues in the NFL.
As a consequence of the criticism and missed calls, Allen’s officiating crew is anticipated to be downgraded. The downgrade could impact their selection for postseason officiating assignments.
The Dallas Cowboys‘ interception of Jared Goff led to a tripping call on tight end Peyton Hendershot, impacting subsequent plays. A video review suggested a mistake in the tripping call, as it was revealed that Lions’ defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, not Hendershot, should have been penalized.
The tripping call error affected the game’s dynamics, leading to the Cowboys taking a 20-13 lead with 1:41 remaining. The Lions had enough time to score a touchdown, setting the stage for the controversial call on the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt.
The Lions, trailing 20-19, attempted a 2-point conversion, where Taylor Decker caught what could have been the go-ahead play. However, officials flagged Decker for an illegal touching penalty, claiming he did not report as eligible.
Post-game, conflicting accounts emerged between the Lions and referees regarding the 2-point conversion. Quarterback Jared Goff and lineman Taylor Decker insisted Decker reported as eligible, while referee Brad Allen’s pool report contradicted this, stating Decker did not report.
“Therefore, he is an ineligible touching a pass that goes beyond the line, which makes it a foul,” Allen said of Decker in the pool report. “So, the issue is, number 70 did report, number 68 did not.”
Taylor Decker stated he followed the coach’s instructions, while Dan Skipper expressed frustration without revealing details. Lions coach Dan Campbell voiced frustration with the game’s ending, echoing sentiments from other coaches and officials critical of Allen’s crew throughout the season.
Allen’s crew faced prior criticism for missing a game-deciding pass interference penalty and a roughing the passer call in recent weeks. These incidents contribute to the broader evaluation of officials, with ongoing scrutiny and grades determining playoff assignments and overall performance improvement.
NFL Chooses Allen’s crew for primetime again
Despite the negative publicity, the NFL has chosen to assign Brad Allen and his crew to another prime-time matchup in Week 18.
The assignment places Allen and his crew back in the spotlight on a prime-time stage, indicating a significant level of visibility and scrutiny for their officiating.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the decision to have Allen and his crew officiate the Steelers-Ravens game on Saturday in Week 18.
“Referee Brad Allen and his crew — who last worked Saturday night’s Lions-Cowboys game — have been assigned to Saturday’s Steelers-Ravens game on ESPN. So back on national television.”
With only two NFL games scheduled for Saturday in the final week of the season, the Steelers-Ravens matchup becomes a prominent event, placing Allen’s crew once again in a crucial and highly visible position.
