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OPI Flags Wipe Out Late Lions Touchdowns in Steelers Win as Referee Details Final Ruling

The lead official described a backward-pass ruling alongside the no-extension rule that ended the game without another snap.

Overview

  • The Lions fell 29-24 after two offensive pass interference penalties in the final minute erased separate go-ahead touchdowns at Ford Field.
  • Carl Cheffers said the last sequence was ruled a backward pass that was legally advanced for a score before OPI nullified it, and because the foul was on the offense with time expired there was no replay.
  • Analysts largely agreed the final OPI on Amon-Ra St. Brown was correct, while the earlier flag on Isaac TeSlaa drew broader disagreement, including sharp criticism from Rex Ryan.
  • Jared Goff called the earlier nullified touchdown a bad call while acknowledging Detroit’s offensive struggles contributed to the loss.
  • The disputed finish capped a weekend of officiating scrutiny highlighted by a non-call on Marlon Humphrey in Patriots-Ravens and a missed running-into-the-kicker in Panthers-Buccaneers, with Detroit’s playoff hopes now diminished ahead of a Dec. 25 trip to Minnesota.