Jared Goff did not agree with an offensive pass interference call against Detroit Lions receiver Isaac TeSlaa, which negated a go-ahead touchdown for the Lions in Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Goff spoke out against the call following the game.
"In my opinion, that's a bad call," the quarterback said, per Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News.
The offensive pass interference in question occurred with less than 30 seconds remaining. With the Lions trailing 29-24, Goff hit a wide-open Amon-Ra St. Brown for a touchdown. The touchdown was negated by the pass interference call, with the officials ruling that TeSlaa was guilty of a pick, which sprung St. Brown free. A closer look at the play seems to support Goff's view. While TeSlaa did effectively set a pick on the play, he looked to be funneled into the contact, which is not offensive pass interference.
Incidently, this was one of two offensive pass interference calls to negate a touchdown on Detroit's final drive. On the last play of the game, Goff connected with St. Brown short of the end zone. He was quickly hit and did not get into the end zone, but did fumble. Goff picked up the loose ball and ran into the end zone. While it appeared as though St. Brown's forward progress had been stopped, the officials ruled that it was a fumble and a Detroit touchdown, but also flagged St. Brown for an offensive pass interference. With that penalty accepted, the fumble and Goff's subsequent recovery and score were negated and the game was over.
The game had significant playoff ramifications in both conferences. With the win, the Steelers remain atop the AFC North. Detroit's loss, meanwhile, clinched a playoff spot for both the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers. The Lions, meanwhile, will need to win both of their remaining games and have the Packers lose both of theirs. Detroit will be on the road in Weeks 17 and 18, taking on the Minnesota Vikings and Bears, respectively. The Packers will host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17 before finishing in Minnesota in Week 18.