So the Lions lost entirely because the ref got his linemen confused then lied?

Beginning to think there might be some merit to the “NFL is fixed” conspiracies. That one was just obvious as hell.

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With that being said, I don’t think it’s wise to have your game-deciding play entirely rely on a sneaky “eligible receiver” scheme that requires pre-snap coordination with the ref. There’s too much that can go wrong with that

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I mean...the ref knew this play was likely coming because Campbell discussed it with him before the game even started.

The NFL needs to make officials full-time. It’s ridiculous that with all the money that the league makes, they’re still relying on part-time officials. That alone would make a world of difference.

It’s becoming obvious that the ref screwed this up and is in CYA mode..

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, I don’t think it’s wise to have your game-deciding play entirely rely on a sneaky “eligible receiver” scheme that requires pre-snap coordination with the ref

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That's exactly when you do those plays.

How about the nfl and their almost 20 billion dollar league get some better refs so a coach doesn't have to hamstring his playback because the ref is an idiot

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I mean...the ref knew this play was likely coming because Campbell discussed it with him before the game even started

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A lot of casual viewers, and even more serious viewers, don’t realize this happens. From high school all the way up to pros, there’s a meeting between referees and head coach where the coach has an opportunity to give the refs a heads up on anything “out of the ordinary” they might do which could confuse an official in the heat of the moment. Also get to say if the other team does anything that could cause concern, like getting away with illegal formations and such in high school/lower levels. That’s pretty common and that meeting can help refs to look for things coaches have seen on film.

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A lot of casual viewers, and even more serious viewers, don’t realize this happens.

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The first I had ever heard of this was after New Orleans won the Super Bowl and they were showing clips of Sean Payton casually explaining their out of halftime onside kick to the refs. To 99% of people it looks like a crazy scheme cooked up in the locker room, but this was planned for days.

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Beginning to think there might be some merit to the “NFL is fixed” conspiracies

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dive head first. it's ridiculous people cant see it at this point. guess what? the real world is much worse.

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If he had gotten that right, Lions take the lead and get to finish out the game.

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I agree that most indications point to the ref screwed up. The only issue I see is watching the interaction several times it does not look like 68 actually got the referee's attention. Ensuring the ref is hearing what you are saying and acknowledges it is probably on the player.

I also do not agree it is a foregone conclusion that the Lions would have scored if the ref was aware and properly acted on 68 reporting. He would have informed the Dallas defense that 68 was eligible just like he did with 70. Dallas being told 68 was eligible would likely have changed the dynamic of the play significantly.

I honestly think the issue was that for whatever reason the ref did not process that 68 was checking in as eligible. If my conclusion is correct 68 misread the situation and did not catch the attention of the ref.


Given the speed and complexity of the modern game I agree refs should be full time so they can spend all week studying the tendencies of each team and player and I also think the number of refs on the field should increase to 9 or maybe even 11. 7 refs just can't keep eyes on 22 players at all times.

The ref screwed up but if the Cowboys would have been told 68 was an eligible receiver, maybe they cover him. Plus it was an illegal formation with only 6 players on the line.