The NFL wants to ensure that after the Dallas Cowboys’ 20-19 victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday night, its teams, coaches, and players are aware of the procedure for reporting players as eligible receivers.
An illegal touching penalty negated the Lions’ potential game-winning two-point conversion attempt, allowing the Cowboys to hold on for the victory.
The Lions had wanted No. 68 Taylor Decker to be declared eligible, but referee Brad Allen declared No. 70 Dan Skipper eligible, which led to the penalty.
Though Decker was declared as the eligible receiver, the two-point conversion play was called back despite Decker’s successful catch of it.
According to the NFL, the Lions misled the officials inadvertently while trying to trick the Cowboys defense, as head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged.
When teams released the video, the league stated the following, which ProFootballTalk saw:
NFL V.P. of officiating Walt Anderson says in the 1:45 clip, which PFT has seen, “As a reminder to clubs and players, an offensive player numbered 50 through 79, or 90 through 99, is permitted to line up as an eligible pass receiver.”
“The player must promptly notify the referee of any change in his eligibility status. The referee will notify the defensive team and make an announcement to the stadium prior to that play, allowing the defense to match personnel to avoid deception and to ensure fairness.
“It is the player’s duty to ensure that the referee is informed of any change in status by means of a physical signal made with his hands, moving up and down in front of his chest, as well as by informing the referee of his intention to report as an eligible receiver.
“This procedure, which has been in place for a number of years, is meant to give the defense appropriate notice when players are lined up in positions that their number would not permit.”
Following the game, Campbell and the Lions were furious, and the penalty dominated NFL conversation all weekend long.
Saturday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens will be officiated by Allen’s crew. This season, his crew has been involved in a number of contentious calls and games. Two examples include the Miami Dolphins-Philadelphia Eagles game, where the Dolphins were penalized ten times to the Eagles’ zero, and the non-call on a blatant pass interference at the end of the Green Bay Packers-Kansas City Chiefs game.
But the league’s biggest lesson from the Cowboys-Lions game is that you could confuse the officials as well if you try to trick the other team. It is your fault at that point. not the official.
