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Lions’ Late Go-Ahead Touchdowns Erased by Offensive Pass Interference in 29-24 Loss to Steelers

Referee Carl Cheffers said the play was a backward pass, with NFL rules voiding any score when the offense commits a last-play foul.

Overview

  • The Lions fell to 8-7 after a Week 16 defeat at Ford Field in which two potential game-winning touchdowns in the final minute were nullified for offensive pass interference.
  • Officials conducted a lengthy review on the final snap before confirming the sequence as a backward pass that ended in the end zone, then applied the rule that an offensive foul on the last play cancels the score with no extension.
  • Carl Cheffers said Amon-Ra St. Brown was flagged for creating separation on the final play, which wiped out Jared Goff’s apparent touchdown as time expired.
  • Cheffers also explained the earlier flag on Isaac TeSlaa, saying the reporting official ruled he picked a defender beyond one yard to spring a short touchdown that was taken off the board.
  • Detroit now must win its remaining two games and needs the Green Bay Packers to lose both to keep its postseason hopes alive.