Report: NFL won't change eligible procedure after Cowboys-Lions controversy
The NFL isn't planning to change the procedure for players reporting as eligible despite the controversial end to the Dallas Cowboys' win over the Detroit Lions on Saturday, a source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.
The Lions had a potential game-winning two-point conversion wiped out in the final minute after offensive lineman Taylor Decker was flagged for illegal touching after catching the score. However, video appeared to show Decker report as eligible to referee Brad Allen.
The confusion stems from the Lions' apparent attempt to hide their plans for a trick play by also having offensive lineman Dan Skipper - who often reports as eligible to play tight end - run toward Allen, who then called Skipper as eligible instead of Decker.
ESPN showed the overhead camera angle before the 2-point conversion and it sure looks like Taylor Decker went over to the refs.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 31, 2023
I don't know what else he's telling them....pic.twitter.com/bGvH3kyJzD
Allen said postgame that Skipper reported and Decker didn't.
The league isn't inclined to adjust the rules as it believes the error was the result of the Lions' gamesmanship that backfired, adds Florio.
Detroit had two unsuccessful two-point attempts after its initial success, handing Dallas a vital win in the NFC playoff race.
The 11-5 Cowboys are now in control of their fate in the division battle with the 11-5 Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Meanwhile, the 11-5 Lions' defeat ended their chances of earning the conference's No. 1 seed.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said postgame that he informed the officials before the contest that the Lions could run their trick play in that manner if the situation arose.
Allen reportedly wasn't present for the pregame meeting with Campbell, as is standard procedure.
A fired-up Campbell said Monday that he wants his team to use the controversy as motivation.
"I've got controlled fury, and I'm ready to go," he said, according to Kyle Meinke of MLive. "I am absolutely ready to go. I don't go the other way.
"So, the team won't either. We're on a mission, and we're not going to feel sorry for ourselves ... We got to use this as fuel. I've got pure octane right now."