The controversial two-point play during the Lions-Cowboys game that was nullified due to a penalty related to eligibility remains a major topic of discussion in the NFL. Many Lions fans believe that the officials mishandled the situation, whether intentionally or accidentally.
However, one critical question remains unanswered. Did Lions coach Dan Campbell discuss the play itself with the officiating crew before the game, or did he explain the strategy the Lions planned to use to confuse the Cowboys? This strategy involved having three different linemen approach referee Brad Allen before the snap.
During Campbell’s press conference on Monday, he showed no interest in revisiting the situation, preventing anyone from delving into the specific question of whether the pregame discussion included an explanation of the Lions’ plan to deceive the Cowboys by making them think someone other than tackle Taylor Decker was eligible to catch the pass that would have won the game if it had been deemed legal.
It is evident that the Lions intended to trick the Cowboys. Campbell clarified, “It’s about eligibility. That’s what it’s about. And it has nothing to do with the ref. The ref knows. He knows. Because 68 reported. It’s for the defense, so that they see three different people. And you’re just hoping they happen to not hear that it’s 70 [who isn’t eligible]. That’s all.”
The Lions hoped to create confusion by having both Decker and tackle Penei Sewell approach referee Brad Allen from one direction, while the Lions’ usual jumbo tight end, Dan Skipper, approached Allen as if he were reporting as eligible from the sideline. However, this strategy not only confused the Cowboys but also the referee, Brad Allen.
While Campbell wasn’t asked directly whether the pregame communication included an explanation of their intention to play this shell game with the Cowboys, his comments during the press conference focused solely on the play itself.
Campbell explained, “I had it on a piece of paper. Our play. What our players have. All I can do is talk through it. That’s all I can do.”
In hindsight, Campbell could have provided more details to the officials, explaining their plan to make the Cowboys believe that player 70 was eligible, not 68, by having three players approach the referee. However, it’s difficult to imagine a head coach explicitly recruiting officials to participate in such a ruse.
The Lions took the risk that having three players approach Allen would confuse both the Cowboys and the referee. Ultimately, it worked too well, as Skipper’s involvement made Allen believe the Lions’ usual jumbo tight end was reporting as eligible.
Campbell stated that he wouldn’t do anything differently if he had the chance to do it again, emphasizing that he didn’t have a timeout and that it was loud on the field, making communication challenging.
In the end, the Lions’ strategy was aimed at concealing Decker’s eligibility and making the Cowboys believe Skipper was eligible, which succeeded but also led to the play’s nullification.