TL;DR
- Packers benefited from a questionable timeout call on a false start, leading to a touchdown.
- Officials also made errors on a Dontayvion Wicks touchdown and missed pass interference on Christian Watson.
- Head Coach Matt LaFleur winked when asked about the favorable timeout call, implying awareness.
- The article suggests NFL referees need to improve their performance, with limited faith in their ability.
Officials did not have a good day in the Week 13 game between the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.
While both squads profited from questionable officiating decisions, the Packers held a marginal advantage over the Lions in that regard.
The most serious error officials committed occurred in the first half, as the Packers faced a fourth down close to the goal line.
A false start was committed by a Packers offensive lineman prior to the snap, yet head coach Matt LaFleur received credit for calling a timeout before the infraction, despite him clearly didn't call it in time.
The result was the Packers still going for it and scoring a touchdown as opposed to likely attempting a field goal had they been pushed back because of the penalty.
LaFleur didn't explicitly state the officials made a mistake after the game, but his wink in response to the question conveyed his understanding that he benefited from a favorable call.
#Packers HC Matt LaFleur on if the refs got it right by giving him a timeout instead of calling a false start:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 27, 2025
"Of course they got it right! 😜"
(🎥 @NFLonFOX)pic.twitter.com/9XvrXKdOzs https://t.co/ZBZYhm8sQs
Spicy Matt LaFleur is the best Matt LaFleur.
As previously mentioned, that wasn't the only mistake officials made on Sunday.
A contentious first touchdown reception for Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks occurred, with some suggesting he lacked complete possession of the ball upon planting his initial foot.
The Lions were helped by a missed call regarding a blatant pass interference by Cornerback Amik Robertson against Packers wide receiver Christian Watson.
With the games intensifying as the season progresses, NFL referees need to improve their performance. Regrettably, there's limited faith in their capacity to achieve this.
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