While everyone has set their minds on the Dallas Cowboys-Green Bay Packers tiff, some controversy remains from the Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions tiff. Apparently this had something to do with a call which NFL officials have admittedly missed.
The celebrated issue is apparently a hold made by Ndamukong Suh during a crucial fourth-down conversion by the Cowboys. Prior to the conversion, a questionable call which involved Brandon Pettigrew and Anthony Hickens.
A flag was thrown at the Cowboys for pass interference but what really is under scrutiny is why the flag was picked up without any explanation. The refs declared it a 4th-and-1 and kept the game going. So the Lions ended up facing fourth down instead of first. The Lions eventually punted thus allowing the Cowboys to score a game-winning touchdown afterwards.
Apparently analysts say that the flag should not have been picked up. Further, the Cowboys should have been penalized for pass interference and holding on to the play.
Hitchens should have been called for defensive holding during that play and the pass interference was a pretty crucial call. And for that, the Detroit fanbase is irate.
While many call it a conspiracy, some call it a botched call. But for fans, had holding been called, it would have meant that the Cowboys would have been in a deeper hole, a fourth-and-16 but more importantly allowing the Lions to still hold the lead.
The league wanted to put emphasis on defensive holding this year. And apparently this could be found from the NFL's rule 8, section 4, article 6 which states:
"It is defensive holding if a player grasps an eligible offensive player (or his jersey) with his hands, or extends an arm or arms to cut off or encircle him."
Like most sports, the NFL is not spared from controversies. The Cowboys cannot be directly blamed for that debatable issue but the Lions may have a point. And with their admission, this is one controversy that will surely be remembered for years to come.
