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Lions fall to Seahawks after controversial call in end zone

Posted at 4:44 AM, Oct 06, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-06 04:50:46-04

SEATTLE, Wash. — It is yet another controversial call that may have meant all the difference in the Detroit Lions’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football.

With under two minutes left in the fourth quarter, the Seahawks were leading 13-10 with the Lions on the Seattle ten yard line, threatening to score.  Quarterback Matthew Stafford connected with Calvin Johnson who was inches away from a touchdown when a Seattle defender knocked the ball out of his hands, causing a fumble.

The ball then went into the end zone, where the play would take a controversial turn.  Seattle linebacker K.J. Wright knocked the ball out of the back of the end zone, which by NFL rules is a foul, and the ball should have been placed at the spot of the fumble, according to NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino.  It would have also been half the distance to the goal line, and Detroit would keep possession with a first down.

“We’ll review all the angles,” Blandino said. “On TV it looked like the Seahawks player intentionally hit the ball. That is a foul.”

However, the officials ruled it as a touch back and possession went to Seattle, who won the game 13-10.  Detroit has now fallen to 0-4 for the season.

ESPN has more analysis and comments on the controversial play here.