Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell opted against overtime on Saturday night. In the final drive against the Dallas Cowboys, trailing 20-13, he instructed his team to secure a touchdown and the go-ahead 2-point conversion, envisioning tackle Taylor Decker as the key player.
Decker, an eight-year veteran from Ohio State, had been honored by Campbell as part of the “old guard” after the Lions clinched their first division title in 30 years. Despite executing the play perfectly, with Decker catching Jared Goff’s 2-point conversion pass for a 21-20 lead, it was nullified due to a penalty.
Referee Brad Allen cited an eligibility issue, claiming that Dan Skipper, not Decker, had been reported as an eligible receiver. The Cowboys secured a 20-19 win, impacting the NFC seeding.
In the locker room, the Lions insisted they were not at fault. Campbell maintained he had explained the play to the officiating crew pre-game. Video footage showed Decker conversing with Allen, who then communicated with the Dallas defense.
Now, the Lions must refocus for their regular-season finale against Minnesota, potentially securing the No. 3 seed. Winning against the Vikings would avoid hosting them in the wild-card round, the third meeting between the teams in four weeks.
A looming concern for Lions fans is the possibility of facing Matthew Stafford in the playoffs at Ford Field. While they celebrated his Super Bowl win with the Rams, the prospect of Stafford returning to Detroit for another postseason victory is causing anxiety.
