With the game - and potentially the season - hanging in the balance, the Detroit Lions found themselves on the wrong end of two critical offensive pass interference calls in the final seconds against the Pittsburgh Steelers. And quarterback Jared Goff didn’t hold back in voicing his frustration.
“In my opinion, that’s a bad call,” Goff said postgame, referring to a controversial flag that wiped out what looked like a go-ahead touchdown.
Here’s how it unfolded: trailing 29-24 with under 30 seconds left, Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown wide open for what appeared to be a game-winning score.
But the celebration was short-lived. Officials flagged rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa for offensive pass interference, ruling that he set an illegal pick that freed up St.
Brown. On replay, though, the call was anything but clear-cut.
TeSlaa did initiate contact, but it looked more like he was funneled into the defender - the kind of incidental contact that often goes uncalled in crunch time.
And that wasn’t the only gut punch.
On the game’s final play, Goff connected with St. Brown again, this time short of the goal line.
St. Brown was hit immediately, and the ball came loose.
Goff, showing heads-up awareness, scooped up the fumble and dove into the end zone. It looked like a miracle finish - until the flags flew again.
Officials ruled it a touchdown, but also hit St. Brown with another offensive pass interference penalty.
The penalty wiped out the score, and with no time left, the game was over.
Two touchdowns. Two flags. No points.
Beyond the frustration, this loss carries real weight. Pittsburgh’s win keeps them atop a crowded AFC North, while Detroit’s defeat sends ripple effects through the NFC playoff picture.
The Lions’ loss clinched playoff berths for both the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers. As for Detroit, their path just got a lot narrower.
They’ll need to win out - road games against the Vikings and Bears - and hope the Packers drop both of their remaining matchups, starting with a tough one at home against the Ravens, followed by a trip to Minnesota.
It’s a brutal way to lose, especially for a Lions team that’s been fighting to stay in the postseason mix. And while the flags will be debated all week, one thing is clear: Detroit’s margin for error is now razor-thin.