After winning their first playoff game in 32 years, the Detroit Lions were back at Ford Field on Sunday for yet another home playoff game. And for how organized Dan Campbell’s staff has been this season, the second half saw a stunning miss from the team’s video crew.
With the Buccaneers driving late in the third quarter, Baker Mayfield was forced out of the pocket on second down and desperately tried to throw the ball away as he fell to the ground. The officials ruled that Mayfield was able to get the ball out in time (and avoid intentional grounding). But replays would clearly show that Mayfield’s leg was down with the ball still in his hand.
Was Baker down here before he got the ball off? #TBvsDET pic.twitter.com/wswln9GaGc
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 21, 2024
Given that a sack there would have forced the Bucs into third-and-long, this was an obvious challenge situation for the Lions. The Bucs didn’t even rush to the line to get a play off quickly, and the Lions players were signaling for a challenge upon seeing the replay on the videoboard. But for some reason, Campbell kept the red flag in his pocket.
The very next play, Rachaad White would score a touchdown.
BAKER TO WHITE. Bucs answer back to even the score.
: #TBvsDET on NBC
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/frRD38BNYS pic.twitter.com/rpFyHbMv6H— NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2024
The Lions managed to respond with a touchdown on the following drive, but NFL fans were still stunned by the decision to not challenge. Those mistakes can’t happen.
