DETROIT — The Detroit Lions suffered a narrow 29-24 defeat against the Pittsburgh Steelers, losing the game in the final seconds due to critical penalties that negated two potential game-winning touchdowns.
During the game’s final moments, Lions quarterback Jared Goff initially connected with Amon-Ra St. Brown for a touchdown, but the play was nullified by offensive pass interference called on rookie Isaac TeSlaa.
Head coach Dan Campbell expressed frustration about the sequence of events.
“That’s frustrating, but it shouldn’t have come to that,” he said in a post-game press conference.
On fourth-and-goal from the nine-yard line, Goff attempted a pass to Brown, who then flipped a lateral back to Goff as time expired. However, this play was also called back due to another offensive pass interference penalty against Brown, leading to confusion among players and fans about the outcome of the game.
Referee Carl Cheffers explained the complex officiating decision.
“It is a pretty complex play. We ruled that it was a backward pass, so the recovering player was able to advance it for a touchdown.... We do not extend the half, therefore, there is no score and there is no replay of the down.”
Goff remained composed despite the loss highlighting that the Lions still had opportunities within the game.
“We know the percentages,” he said. “We know we’re not eliminated. We know some things need to go our way. Those guys have a hard job and I don’t want to make any excuses.”
Coach Campbell reflected on the team’s struggles this season, reiterating accountability.
“We weren’t able to close it out and at the end of the day, it’s on us,” he said.
He acknowledged the weight of the loss on their playoff chances, further intensifying the disappointment for the players and fans alike.
The Lions’ playoff hopes took a significant hit with this loss, now relying on favorable outcomes in other games for any chance of postseason play.