One of the most talked about plays in yesterday’s Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys matchup was the penalty that was taken away in the 4th quarter when Anthony Hitchens was flagged for pass interference defending Brandon Pettigrew, then had the penalty taken away.
Initially, the back judge called the flag, but head linesman argued that he had a better angle and no call should have been made on the play. That’s when the penalty flag was picked up.
Referee Pete Morelli had this to say about the play:
“The back judge threw his flag for defensive pass interference. We got other information from another official from a different angle that thought the contact was minimal and didn’t warrant pass interference. He thought it was face guarding. The information came and then the officials got together a little bit later after it was given to me, the first information. It probably would’ve been smoother if we got together.”
Even though the Lions led 20-17 at the time, the play turned the tide for the team, eventually punting on that drive and giving up the game-winning points to the Cowboys in their 24-20 Wild Card round loss. One incident that wasn’t called either was the fact that Dez Bryant walked on to the field without his helmet and argued the call, which should have resulted in a penalty, but wasn’t.
After watching every angle of the play, do you think it was the right call?
UPDATE: NFL Head of Officials Dean Blandino says the controversial call should have been called holding by Hitches at the least. Whether pass interference could have gone either way, he can be seen grabbing on to the jersey and should have been called for the defensive holding.
Either way, it won’t make the Lions sleep better at night.