Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had little time to compose himself before he addressed the media after Detroit’s 24-10 loss against Dallas on Sunday. However, Stafford was clearly aggravated on the sidelines right after the pass interference flag incident when he talked to referee Pete Morelli (via NFL.com).
Hey, Pete, that’s unbelievable. That’s unbelievable and you know it,” Stafford said. … You know it is, though.
How does that get overturned? How does that get overturned? Hey that’s unbelievable. … Congratulations. It’s unbelievable.
Can I get explained that one? … Can we explain that or no?” Just flat-out overturning a pass interference call?
Finally, the officials gave Stafford a short answer explaining the call was “face guarding,” which is “legal” in the NFL. Stafford was not exactly thrilled with that explanation.
I understand, but your man saw it and threw a penalty… I understand that. … But I’ve never in the history seen one turned over. Congratulations, man. First time in history that’s happened.
If the NFL should decide to allow reviews on this sort of penalty, it might just be called the Matt Stafford Rule.
Why not? The Lions already have the Jim Schwartz Rule (throwing challenge flag on unchallengeable plays) and a Calvin Johnson Rule (process of the catch).