NFL exec admits to bad call against Lions, plans to reach out to owners

The Detroit Lions fell victim to a series of horrendous calls late in their loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night, and the NFL is admitting a flag should not have been thrown on at least one play.

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said at the league’s Fall Meeting in Florida on Tuesday that the second illegal use of the hands penalty against Lions defensive end Trey Flowers in the fourth quarter should not have been called. He added that he will reach out to the team’s front office about it.

NFL exec Troy Vincent, here in Florida for this Fall Meeting, says the second hands to the face call last night is “not something that you want to see called.” Vincent says he’ll speak with Mrs. Ford today and reach out to GM Bob Quinn, as well.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2019

That may be a start, but it likely will not satisfy the Lions or their fans. There were actually two calls and one no-call that went against Detroit in the fourth quarter that were egregious, and the Lions could have won the game without them.

Obviously, the last thing the NFL wants is for the officiating to be the topic of discussion on a night when Aaron Rodgers led the Packers to a thrilling win over a division rival. We’ve already seen several prominent current and former players speak out about it, and it is something the league has to address.