There are many around the NFL that believes the “Lions should be livid” after some awful officiating helped the Seattle Seahawks win a game that ended Detroit’s playoff hopes.
Week 18 in the NFL season was filled with serious playoff implications. Several teams entered their season finales with the opportunity to land a spot in the NFL Wild Card round, including the surprise Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks. The Lions were at a disadvantage to start and it seems the officiating in the Seahawks and Rams game did not help.
A Seattle victory over Los Angeles would eliminate Detroit from playoff contention, and that is exactly what happened after they defeated the Rams in overtime, 19-16. However, the victory is under fire from around the league for “calls [that] benefited the Seahawks, hurt the Rams, and ultimately impacted the Lions.”
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On Saturday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the NFL competition committee, the Lions, and the Rams were all upset by calls — or lack of them — in what one source called “the worst officiated game of the year.”
NFL referee training questioned after Seattle Seahawks Week 18 win
Sources within the competition committee, the Detroit Lions, and Los Angeles Rams were so frustrated with the officiating in Week 18, that they believe a review of the hiring process and training for game officials is needed. “The Lions should be livid. It was an awful way for them to end their season,” a source told the outlet.
One major moment of contention during the Seattle Seahawks win over the Rams came in the fourth quarter when a running into the kicker penalty was called that extended a drive. Leading to a game tieing field goal that would send the game to overtime. The penalty is in question because replays clearly showed Jonah Williams was pushed into Michael Dickson and the call should have been negated.
Later in the quarter, star cornerback Jalen Ramsey was flagged for unnecessary roughness, while receiver DK Metcalf received no penalty despite putting his hand into Ramsey’s face in clear view of the back judge.
In overtime, officials missed what many believe was an intentional grounding penalty against Geno Smith and an obvious taunting penalty against Quandre Diggs after he intercepted Los Angeles quarterback Baker Mayfield.
It is unclear if the Rams or Lions will file official grievances with the league over the officiating from the Seattle Seahawks’ season finale win.