Questionable Call Saves Packers in Late-Game Drama Against Lions
A controversial timeout call by Packers' coach Matt LaFleur led to a pivotal touchdown, sealing a 31-24 victory over the Detroit Lions and impacting both teams' playoff prospects.
Matt LaFleur knows he got away with one.
With the game hanging in the balance late in the second quarter, the Packers faced fourth-and-1 from Detroit's 2-yard line when a false start appeared imminent. The sideline referee, however, ruled that LaFleur had called timeout before the illegal movement occurredβa decision that didn't hold up under scrutiny.
"Of course they got it right. I was calling timeout."
LaFleur's post-game comment, delivered with a not-so-subtle wink, amounted to an admission. Replays suggested the penalty should have stood, giving Green Bay fourth-and-6 instead.
The gaffe proved decisive. Rather than face a longer down-and-distance situation, the Packers kept their offense on the field. One play later, quarterback Jordan Love connected with wide receiver Romeo Doubs for a 2-yard touchdown.
The touchdown set the tone for Green Bay's second-half domination. The Packers controlled the clock and their defense tightened the screws as Green Bay rolled to a 31-24 victoryβa one-touchdown margin that traced directly back to that controversial moment.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell made his displeasure clear, reacting in visible disbelief as the call stood.
As the season barrels toward its conclusion, that single play looms large in both teams' playoff calculations. The Packers improved to 8-3-1, pulling within one-half game of first-place Chicago (8-3) in the NFC North. The Bears face Philadelphia on Black Friday. For the Lions, the loss keeps them out of an NFC playoff spot and further erodes their divisional hopes.
