Detroit Lions: Bad calls in Week 2, Another loss in Week 3

PICK UP THE FLAG

On Monday, September 17th, Dan Patrick from “The Dan Patrick Show” (Hour 1 – Vic Carucci, 09-17-18) described succinctly why defensive backs grab so much during NFL and college football games. His example was specifically aimed at the Seattle Seahawks, when they were the dominant defense a few years ago:

"“Seattle’s the one that created this formula. Hey, you’re not gonna call pass interference every time. So, why don’t we just do it every time. And see how many times you’ll call it. I mean, really, they built a defensive model off of that.”"

With this quote in mind, there is a real issue with the officials pulling a flag at that point in the game. If someone goes through the entire game this past Sunday, how many flags were not thrown? Even on the Detroit Lions final drive, there were opportunities to throw for pass interference, but they didn’t because they aren’t going to throw it every time it happens.

At important stages of the game, the foul must be obvious to call a penalty. The Diggs play was not that obvious, and certainly not egregious. But the bigger problem is that this “foul” didn’t actually affect the outcome of the play.

The fact that this flag was thrown nowhere near where the play ended up going is really disappointing. Had Walker’s excellent interception been caused by a hold or interference, then throwing the flag is justified.

Of course, there is always the better option of picking up the flag. Like when Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant runs onto the field of play and starts screaming at the officials during the 2014 playoff game. Detroit wide receiver Golden Tate should do the right thing next time and run onto the field and scream at the official. They would surely pick up the flag.

But maybe that only applies to the beloved franchises.

The referees should have let these guys play, and see who will win the game. Had the officials done their job properly, Detroit would have won the game. Not tied it, not won in overtime, they would have finished San Francisco right then and there.