Yardbarker
x
Watch: Livid Campbell sounds off following controversial penalty
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Livid Lions HC Dan Campbell sounds off following controversial penalty on two-point play

The Detroit Lions were on the losing end of a 20-19 decision to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday night thanks to a controversial penalty on a two-point attempt that would have won the game. 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell was extremely emotional after the game and could barely discuss what happened without getting more and more angry. 

The Lions had a play drawn up that saw quarterback Jared Goff complete a pass to offensive tackle Taylor Decker that appeared to give the Lions a 21-20 lead with only 27 seconds to play in regulation.

But a late flag was thrown and the Lions were called for an illegal touching as Decker was called for not reporting as an eligible receiver on the play. Detroit ended up still going for two — including after a Dallas offside penalty on the second attempt — and did not score. 

Referee Brad Allen had announced prior to the original play that No. 70 Dan Skipper was the one that reported as eligible, and not Decker. 

Replays, however, clearly showed Decker walk up to Allen before the huddle. He would not be doing unless he was reporting as eligible. Both Decker and Skipper, as well as quarterback Jared Goff, said after the game that it was Decker that had reported.

Campbell was also adamant that it was Decker that reported during an emotional press conference where he was visibly livid. 

Along with saying that it was Decker that had reported, he also added that he had outlined this exact scenario and play to the officials prior to the game and alerted them of this potential play. Apparently the message never got through. 

Campbell was asked about his visible frustration after the game and, perhaps in an attempt to not get fined, said he was simply frustrated by losing. 

That may be true, but Campbell has lost games before as the Lions' head coach. He has shed tears, he has been disappointed, he has been frustrated, but he has never actually looked this angry. 

That emotion is almost certainly the result of the call. Not just the result of the game.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.