Sunday night’s wild-card playoff game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams got off to a blistering start, with both teams scoring on their first three possessions.
With both offenses firing on all cylinders, it looked as though the final two minutes of the first half might feature even more scoring. But instead, a Lions drive was cut short prematurely due to what looked like a miscalled penalty from the officials.
Detroit was facing fourth-and-5 from just past midfield with a minute to play. The Lions left their offense on the field, though it was unclear whether they actually intended to call a play, or were just hoping to get the defense to jump offsides.
There was a light flurry of activity before the snap, and the entire stadium believed that the Lions had just stolen a cheap first down, but the referee saw things differently, calling Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker for a false start.
Watch the play and judge for yourself.
This was called a false start on the Lions but it should have been a neutral zone infraction. #LARvsDET pic.twitter.com/NawqfJL2ll
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 15, 2024
The Lions’ social media team had a bit of fun with the moment, cheekily putting an extended clip of the play on their feeds.
Nice punt, Jack#LARvsDET |📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/aVrBWo46oP
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 15, 2024
But fans were less amused, expressing frustration at what looked like a very clearly blown call.
Still trying to see the false start here https://t.co/cJWdguUYWb pic.twitter.com/ebxmPyDnii
— Eli Morgan (@Eli_Morgan1112) January 15, 2024
Defensive offside, would’ve been a first down, driving before half.
— Luke Messing (@WingedWheel19) January 15, 2024
Refs cost the Lions again and again and again then are reincarnated and do it AGAIN. https://t.co/vZiLC4a2V9
Someone is going to have to explain this false start call. @DeanBlandino https://t.co/Pf6Tn7vqVx
— DoritoFingers (@ritofingers1224) January 15, 2024
This can’t keep happening. #AllGrit #DetroitvsEverybody https://t.co/lNkB7fPHAH
— jakobi (@H_Jakobi) January 15, 2024
The Lions would ultimately punt the ball away, and take a 21–17 lead into halftime.
