Football fans are convinced that the NFL refs “rigged” the Houston Texans-Detroit Lions “Sunday Night Football” Game after a horrible game-changing call that left the NBC broadcast crew baffled.
Bill Vinovich and his crew were assigned the prime-time contest between two of the NFL’s top teams on Sunday. Unfortunately, the NFL refs entered the spotlight in the waning minutes because of a terrible game-changing non-call.
Houston was driving in Detroit territory and on the verge of taking the lead with two minutes remaining. Facing a 3rd-and-4 situation at the Detroit 40, CJ Stroud’s pass attempt to Xavier Hutchinson fell incomplete.
Look at the replay, however, and it’s evident that Lions corner Terrion Arnold got away with blatant pass interference. Somehow, the NFL refs missed this call:
SNF Broadcast wanted a pass interference on Lions CB Terrion Arnold here: pic.twitter.com/APGXMPy6NC
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) November 11, 2024
Instead of potentially melting the clock and getting closer into field goal range for Ka’imi Fairbairn, he had to attempt a 58-yard attempt after the two-minute warning. Fairbairn missed the kick, and the Lions took advantage of the short field to set up Jake Bates for a game-winning give.
Fans wasted no time teeing off on the NFL refs, accusing them of “rigging” the game for Dan Campbell and company:
RIGGED SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ON NBC LIONS TEXANS =FIXED PROOF lions were -3.5 over under 49.5 blatant fix job @RockNRollHoops @NFL @angry_nfl @peacock @espn @Lions @HoustonTexans @NBA @netflix @Disney @hulu pic.twitter.com/ojyd2aHck6
— RIGGED FOR VEGAS (@Josh97397938502) November 11, 2024
Most clear PI of the season. No call. League is rigged for the Lions.
— 🌜 (@DeOneAndShawnly) November 11, 2024
And you want to make excuses you had 5ints and lost no excuses dude
— Czarx (@AcedFootball) November 11, 2024
Pass Interference or No?pic.twitter.com/uHMlG6Kcui
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) November 11, 2024
JAKE BATES SEALED THE W FOR THE LIONS!!! ✅
(via @nfl)pic.twitter.com/GUwCV0i1UP
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 11, 2024
The @Lions are 8-1 🔥 pic.twitter.com/xw9sLVNYVf
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2024
FINAL: The @Lions win a wild one on SNF to improve to 8-1! pic.twitter.com/BgYNe3T3oD
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2024
JAKE. BATES. CALLED. GAME. #DETvsHOU | 📺 NBC pic.twitter.com/fSa4NBaZsP
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 11, 2024
Statement Win For The Lions
Even though Jared Goff threw five interceptions, the Lions still squeaked out a big-time road win against one of football’s top teams. Holding Houston to zero points in the second half is no joke, either.
With the victory, the Lions moved to 8-1 and inch closer to securing the NFC’s top seed. The Texans fell to 6-3 but still have the AFC South division crown on cruise control.
