Detroit Lions fans: How outraged should you be about that final play?

DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions is stopped at the goal line to end the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on September 24, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Atlanta defeated Detroit 30-26. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 24: Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions is stopped at the goal line to end the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on September 24, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Atlanta defeated Detroit 30-26. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions is stopped at the goal line to end the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on September 24, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Atlanta defeated Detroit 30-26. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 24: Golden Tate #15 of the Detroit Lions is stopped at the goal line to end the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on September 24, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Atlanta defeated Detroit 30-26. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

The case for a meltdown

If you want to want go into full meltdown mode, I won’t blame you. The Lions literally were one inch away from knocking off a team with Super Bowl-or-bust ambitions.

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The call on the field gave them that inch. The replay booth took the inch (and the final eight seconds) away without apology.

That’s tough to take, especially with so many other famous controversial calls in Lions games over the past decade. Controversial and obscure calls that seem to go against the Lions each and every time.

There’s the Calvin Johnson “process of the catch” game in 2010. Jim Schwartz’s challenge flag on Thanksgiving 2012. Of course, there’s the unforgettable non-pass interference that probably cost them a playoff win against Dallas.

The “batted ball” play on MNF in 2015, would have been a cheap win against Seattle, but rules are rules. Add this one to the archives.

If you choose to be outraged by Sunday’s questionable ending, go right on ahead. There are no moral victories or moral playoffs, and it will always be an L in the final standings. Just make sure that you’re outraged at the right people and for the right reasons.

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