DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 26: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions calls a play at the line during the first half against the Houston Texans at Ford Field on November 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Lions fans thought Matthew Stafford came through on a trick play against the Texans.
The Detroit Lions trailed the Houston Texans by the score of 23-14 at halftime of the Thanksgiving showdown. The offense was sputtering and the Lions got the ball to start the second half.
Running the ball was the focus and the Lions marched down the field into the red zone. Then came the tricks. Stafford took the snap and a reverse was in order. The veteran quarterback pitched the ball and went out as a receiver. Jamal Agnew threw him a perfect ball and it appeared Stafford made the grab. NFL catch rules are confusing and what appeared to be close was ruled incomplete.
Stafford can’t hold on
Lions fans at home were not happy with the call and that is a common theme whenever a close catch call is made.
Stafford also took what appeared to be a shot to the helmet on the play. So not only was the catch overturned, but there was no penalty for a hit on a defenseless receiver. The Lions ending up kicking a field goal for a consolation prize to end the drive.
Stafford is doing everything he can to will his team to victory in what has been an ugly game since kickoff. The Lions have lost two fumbles and the quarterback even threw a pick-six for his lone blunder of the day. He could have redeemed himself with a touchdown grab, but alas, he didn’t complete the play or whatever the NFL says is the explanation.
The Lions are a mess and fans arguing over a Matthew Stafford catch sums up the state of the team. Everyone deserves better and maybe a bad outing will finally free fans of the Matt Patricia era.