Detroit gets official explanation for expensive DPI call on SNF against Eagles
The The Detroit Lions lost 16-9 against the Philadelphia Eagles of Sunday night football at Lincoln Financial Field, when the game was ultimately decided with a controversial defensive pass interference (DPI) call. on a Rock Ia-Sin corner in the last two minutes.
In the final 1:51, Philadelphia faced third-and-8 from its own 38-yard line. Detroit defenders, including Ja-Sin, covered the Eagles and were in position to force a punt, allowing the Lions to mount a late game timeout drive. Philly quarterback Jalen Hurts dropped back and targeted wide receiver AJ Brown along the sideline. The pass sailed high and wide, seemingly unfinished. However, the penalty flag was thrown and Ja-Sin was called for defensive pass interference, giving the Eagles a first down and essentially ending the game.
After the game, referee Alex Kemp talked to the pool reporter Zach Berman.
“Why interfere with the dogs in that game?” Berman asked.
“The official observed him grab the receiver’s arm and prevent him from going up to make the catch,” Kemp said. “So the ball was in the air, there was a hand grab, it limited him, and he interfered with the defensive pass.
Regardless of the explanation, Detroit, its coaching staff and many observers felt the call was debatable. Replays suggested that Brown may have extended his own hand before the ball arrived, leading some to believe that offensive pass interference may have been the more accurate call.
Ia-Sin finished the game with six tackles, and he too was shocked by the penalty, noting that the officials allowed similar physical coverage throughout the contest without issue. It was not the first time that Ia-Sin has been penalized in a high-profile Sunday Night Football game. In the Lions’ Week 6 SNF performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, he was flagged for similar pass interference against tight end Travis Kelce.
Detroit’s loss dropped them to 6-4 and third in the NFC North. The Lions next host the New York Giants in Week 12.
2025-11-17 09:46:00
