It was a familiar story for the Detroit Lions in its 20-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys — a controversial flag changed the outcome in the game, ultimately leading to a painful defeat for the Lions .
The Lions started a drive from its own 25 with 1:41 left, and drove 75 yards in just over a minute to score a touchdown from Amon-Ra St. Brown to make it 20-19 with 23 seconds left. Dan Campbell kept the offense on the field for the 2-point conversion attempt to play for the win.
Dan Skipper checked into the game as an eligible receiver, and the Lions ran a play-action pass. Goff found left tackle Taylor Decker wide open for the conversion, but he was called for illegal touching after failing to report to the referees as an eligible receiver .
In the clip below, you can see Decker approach a referee, along with Skipper and Penei Sewell , for a conversation before the play, but the referees never acknowledged him as an eligible receiver. Following the game, Skipper told reporters he did not report to the referees as an eligible receiver, and Decker said he did.
SHAWN WINDSOR: Lions miss out on win of the year, but remind again they belong on big stage
The penalty sent the entire Lions' offensive line and Campbell into an angered frenzy, as the coaching staff and Decker swore they did what they were supposed to for the trick play to be legal. The Lions were pushed back to the 7-yard line and went for 2 again, but a Micah Parsons offsides gave them a third attempt. On the third try, Goff tried to find James Mitchell in the flat, but the pass was too low and fell incomplete.
The fury among Lions fans online following the loss was palpable. Old scars from the 2014 playoff loss and the non-called pass interference that helped decide that game were re-opened. Detroit fans went straight to saying the Lions were screwed over and the NFL rigged the game in Dallas' favor.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions 'screwed' by refs in 20-19 loss to Cowboys, fans say
