Lions left tackle Taylor Decker correctly reported to the referee, but two other offensive linemen tried to confuse the Cowboys on who would ultimately be the eligible receiver.
The NFL has reminded players to clearly report as eligible receivers in a video distributed on Tuesday.
The NFL has reminded players to clearly report as eligible receivers in a video distributed on Tuesday. The Lions faced criticism for a bad call made by the refs during their 20-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys last weekend. Players who wear Nos. 50-79 or 90-99 must report to the referee in order to be eligible to receive a pass, and Lions left tackle Taylor Decker did so correctly but two other offensive linemen tried to confuse the Cowboys on who would ultimately be the eligible receiver. As a result of this confusion, Decker was ineligible for an illegal touching penalty that cost him what would have been a go-ahead 2-point conversion with 23 seconds remaining in the game. The Lions also committed an illegal formation foul on the play because Skipper lined up at right tackle as an eligible player next to tight end Sam LaPorta.
Detroit has already clinched the franchise's first NFC North division title and is 11-5.
Another victory would make it the Lions' best regular season since 1991 and tie the franchise record albeit with an extra game compared to when they went 12-4 in 1993.
Accuracy
The NFL sent a memo to all teams on Tuesday to remind players to clearly report as eligible receivers after a controversial officiating decision ended Saturday's Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys game.
In the closing seconds of the Week 17 game at AT&T Stadium, a late two-point conversion which would have given Detroit a one-point lead and likely an impressive road victory was wiped away after officials ruled offensive lineman Taylor Decker, who wears No. 68, was not an eligible receiver when he caught a pass from quarterback Jared Goff.
According to referee Brad Allen in the pool report afterwards, Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper, who is No. 70, reported as an eligible receiver, not Decker. Decker told reporters after the game that he had said to Allen that he was reporting as an eligible receiver.
On Tuesday, NFL senior vice president Walt Anderson sent a video reminding players about their responsibility of clearly signposting their eligibility as receivers to officials by both a physical signal and reporting it verbally.
For the controversial play, Decker is seen approaching referee Allen to report as eligible but two other offensive lineman Skipper and Penei Sewell also approached Allen in an attempt to confuse the Cowboys defense on who would be the eligible receiver.
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that Taylor Decker may forever be synonymous with NFL officiating due to a controversial call made against him during a game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence presented in the article. Secondly, Dean Blandino's explanation of how he thinks the Lions created an illusion having multiple players go near Brad Allen to confuse the Cowboys as to who was eligible on the play is also unsupported by any evidence presented in the article. Lastly, there are no quotes from Taylor Decker or anyone else that contradict this statement.
The author claims that Taylor Decker may forever be synonymous with NFL officiating due to a controversial call made against him during a game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. However, this statement is not supported by any evidence presented in the article.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the opinion of Dean Blandino without providing any evidence or reasoning for his conclusion. Additionally, there is a dichotomous depiction of Decker's actions as he was both reportedly eligible and not reportedly eligible for the play, which creates confusion and contradicts itself.
Bias
(0%)
The author of the article is clearly biased against the Lions and their fans. The title implies that Decker reported himself as an eligible receiver, which he did not. The body of the article focuses on how the officiating was wrong and how it cost the Lions a chance at being the No. 1 seed in the NFC. It also mentions that Lions fans were enraged by the ruling and put up billboards mocking Decker, which is not an objective or balanced way to report on a controversial call.
The name Taylor Decker may forever be synonymous with NFL officiating, as the Detroit Lions offensive tackle was at the center of a mess this past week.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article is about Lions fans who put up billboards with the message 'Decker Reported' in Detroit. The site, FOX Sports, has a conflict of interest on this topic because it employs Dean Blandino as a rules analyst and Jared Goff as an NFL insider. Both have ties to the NFL and may not be able to report objectively on issues related to the Lions or other teams in the league.
FOX Sports Rules Analyst Dean Blandino: Ɣ
Lions close out the regular season at home against the Minnesota Vikings (7-9) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app)
— albeit it would be done with an extra game compared to when the Lions went 12-4 in 1991
Jared Goff:
NFL playoffs
National Football League: — Lions vs. Cowboys Nonetheless
Ohio State University: υ
Lions’ best regular season since 1991 and tie the franchise record
According to NFL ruling, any offensive player numbered 50-79 or 90-99 is permitted to line up as an eligible pass receiver but must immediately report a change in his status to the referee.
Taylor Decker attempted to hit quarterback Jared Goff in the back of the end zone for what would have been a go-ahead, two-point conversion but was flagged for illegal touching due to not reporting he was an eligible receiver.
Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker spent his entire career with Detroit.
Accuracy
The NFL reminded players to clearly report as eligible receivers after a controversial officiating decision ended Saturday's Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys game.
Lions fans put up digital billboards in Detroit that read 'DECKER REPORTED.'
Taylor Decker has spent his entire career with Detroit.
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that a controversial officiating decision ended the Lions-Cowboys game when it was actually an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt. Secondly, the author quotes referee Brad Allen stating that Dan Skipper reported as an eligible receiver when he did not and Decker stated that he had told him so. This is a lie by omission as there is no mention of any communication between Decker and Allen regarding eligibility. Thirdly, the article implies that it was the responsibility of the player to be sure that change in status was clearly communicated to the referee when this should have been done by officials not players.
The author claims a controversial officiating decision ended the Lions-Cowboys game but it was actually an unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the NFL's ruling on eligible receivers. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the controversy surrounding the officiating decision and how it affected the Lions' loss.
Bias
(85%)
The author is biased towards the NFL and its rules. The article portrays the NFL in a positive light by reminding players to follow their rules and avoid controversial officiating decisions. The author also uses language that dehumanizes the Lions' head coach Dan Campbell, saying he was 'frustrated'. This shows an emotional bias towards the Cowboys and against the Lions.
The NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams on Tuesday to remind players to “clearly” report as eligible receivers after a controversial officiating decision ended Saturday's Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys game.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses a controversial officiating decision in an NFL game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. The decision ended the game and resulted in a report that Taylor Decker was eligible to receive as an offensive lineman despite not being listed on the team's roster. The article also mentions Dan Skipper, who was reported as eligible by officials but not by Decker himself.
According to NFL ruling, any offensive player numbered 50-79 or 90-99 is permitted to line up as an eligible pass receiver, but the player must immediately report the change in his status to the referee
Taylor Decker is seen approaching referee Allen to report as eligible, but two other offensive lineman also approached Allen in an attempt to confuse the Cowboys defense on who would be the eligible receiver
The controversial officiating decision ended the Lions-Cowboys game
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses a controversial officiating decision in an NFL game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. The decision ended the game and resulted in a report that Taylor Decker was eligible to receive as an offensive lineman despite not being listed on the team's roster. The article also mentions Dan Skipper, who was reported as eligible by officials but not by Decker himself.
According to NFL ruling, any offensive player numbered 50-79 or 90-99 is permitted to line up as an eligible pass receiver, but the player must immediately report the change in his status to the referee
Taylor Decker is seen approaching referee Allen to report as eligible, but two other offensive lineman also approached Allen in an attempt to confuse the Cowboys defense on who would be the eligible receiver
The controversial officiating decision ended the Lions-Cowboys game
The NFL reminded its teams that players bear the burden of ensuring they have properly reported as eligible receivers.
Players who wear Nos. 50-79 or 90-99 must report to the referee in order to be eligible to receive a pass.
Taylor Decker, who wears No. 68, approached referee Brad Allen to report as eligible but two other Lions offensive linemen also approached him in an attempt to confuse the Cowboys on who ultimately would be the eligible receiver.
Allen did not appear to acknowledge Decker and instead declared Skipper as eligible.
Decker was ineligible and had committed illegal touching when he caught what would have been a go-ahead 2-point conversion with 23 seconds remaining in the game.
The Lions also committed an illegal formation foul on the play because Skipper lined up at right tackle as an eligible player, and next to tight end Sam LaPorta.
Skipper said Saturday night that he had not declared himself eligible. The video does not reference a role for the referee in declaring the correct player eligible.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(50%)
The article is deceptive in that it implies that the NFL has a clear policy on reporting as eligible receivers. However, this is not entirely accurate. The video only mentions players wearing Nos. 50-79 or 90-99 and approaching referees to report eligibility, but does not mention any other requirements for being an eligible receiver.
The article implies that the NFL has a clear policy on reporting as eligible receivers when in fact it is only mentioned for players wearing Nos. 50-79 or 90-99.
Fallacies
(85%)
The article contains an appeal to authority fallacy by citing the NFL's senior vice president Walt Anderson as a source for information on how players should report as eligible receivers. The author also uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing Rex Ryan's reaction to criticism of the Lions, stating that he is 'furious with official for not owning missed call'. Additionally, there are examples of informal fallacies in the article such as anecdotal evidence (the play in question) and a false dilemma (players must report to be eligible or they will commit illegal touching).
The NFL reminded its teams that players bear the burden of ensuring they have properly reported as eligible receivers.
"It is the responsibility of the player to be sure that change in status is clearly communicated to the referee by both a physical signal, with his hands up and down in front of his chest, and to report to the referee his intention to report as an eligible receiver," NFL senior vice president Walt Anderson said.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Allen is expected to be downgraded for the play.
Bias
(85%)
The article contains a statement from the NFL that players bear the burden of ensuring they have properly reported as eligible receivers. This is an example of monetary bias because it implies that if a player does not report correctly, they will be penalized financially.
"It is the responsibility of the player to be sure that change in status is clearly communicated to the referee by both a physical signal, with his hands up and down in front of his chest, and to report to the referee his intention to report as an eligible receiver,"
'The Lions also committed an illegal formation foul on the play.'
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Kevin Seifert has a conflict of interest on the topic of NFL as he is an ESPN Staff Writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. He also covered the NFL for over 20 years before joining ESPN in 2008.
ESPN's Adam Schefter
expected postseason assignment
final game of the 2023 season will come in Saturday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens on ESPN.
Kevin Seifert has a conflict of interest on the topic of NFL as he is an ESPN Staff Writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN. He also covered the NFL for over 20 years before joining ESPN in 2008.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Kevin Seifert has a conflict of interest on the topic of NFL players reporting as eligible receivers. He is an ESPN Staff Writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN.
Kevin Seifert is an ESPN Staff Writer who covers the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL at ESPN.
The NFL's officiating department defended referee Brad Allen's controversial decision to nullify a two-point conversion that would have put the Detroit Lions ahead of the Dallas Cowboys late in a game with playoff seeding implications.
Taylor Decker caught a pass that appeared to give Detroit a 21-20 lead over the Cowboys with 23 seconds remaining. Allen waved off the play, calling Decker's reception an illegal touch.
Detroit lined up in a covered position on the right side of the line with offensive tackle Penei Sewell and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to his right, while Skipper was declared eligible before lining up between two offensive linemen.
Players need to communicate their eligibility physically and verbally according to Walt Anderson, senior vice president of officiating training and development.
The Lions had two players show the sign but only Decker verbally reported according to the Lions. Skipper didn't complete both requirements but Decker did.
Decker said after the game that he verbally reported and the league's own video shows he physically reported, too. The video shows Skipper physically gesturing, but he said that he did not say anything to the referee.
The controversy at the end of Cowboys win was enough to warrant a tape from NFL officiating department.
Accuracy
No Contradictions at Time
Of
Publication
Deception
(30%)
The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author claims that the NFL's officiating department defended a controversial decision made by referee Brad Allen to nullify a two-point conversion for Detroit Lions against Dallas Cowboys. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that there was an official review of the call and that Anderson provided evidence supporting the decision. In reality, Anderson only offered his explanation of why he believes Decker's reception was illegal touch without providing any concrete evidence to support his claim.
The article claims that Decker verbally reported his eligibility to the referee but Skipper did not complete both requirements by physically signaling and verbalizing. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that there were clear rules against such a move and that Anderson's interpretation of the rules is correct.
The article claims that Decker reported his eligibility to the referee but Skipper did not complete both requirements by physically signaling and verbalizing. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that there were clear rules against such a move and that Anderson's interpretation of the rules is correct.
The article claims that Brad Allen waved off a two-point conversion for Detroit Lions against Dallas Cowboys because Taylor Decker caught the ball illegally. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that there was an official review of the call and that Anderson provided evidence supporting the decision.
Anderson argues in his video explanation that Detroit lined up in an improper formation because another offensive tackle, Dan Skipper, was declared eligible before lining up between two offensive linemen. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that there were clear rules against such a move and that Anderson's interpretation of the rules is correct.
Fallacies
(80%)
The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by citing the NFL's officiating department and Walt Anderson as sources for their explanation of the call. This is a form of logical fallacy because it assumes that just because something comes from an official source, it must be true without question. Additionally, there are several instances where the author uses inflammatory rhetoric to make the reader feel strongly about one side or another. For example, they describe Decker's catch as
The NFL’s officiating department defended referee Brad Allen’s controversial decision to nullify a two-point conversion that would have put the Detroit Lions ahead of the Dallas Cowboys late in a game that had playoff seeding implications.
Bias
(85%)
The NFL is defending a controversial call that nixed a two-point conversion for the Detroit Lions. The league's officiating department sent out a video to all teams on Tuesday explaining the decision and providing annotated footage from different angles of key moments before and during the penalized conversion. The video made comparisons with another play in earlier in the game, arguing that Decker did not properly inform officials of his eligibility, preventing them from informing Cowboys defense about it. It also argued that Detroit lined up improperly because Skipper was declared eligible before lining up between two offensive linemen. The video shows Skipper gesturing similarly with his left arm raised and right near chest but did not verbally report to the referee, while Decker reported both physically and verbally.
The NFL's officiating department sent out a video explaining the controversial call that nixed a two-point conversion for Detroit Lions. The league is defending its decision in this case.
Site
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
The article discusses the controversy surrounding a call made by NFL officials during a football game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. The call in question was to nix a two-point conversion attempt by Taylor Decker of the Lions after he physically reported himself eligible for it on the field. The article also mentions that league officials have been reviewing how rules are enforced, which could be seen as an effort to address similar controversies in future games.
Taylor Decker physically reported himself eligible for the two-point conversion on the field.
The call was made by NFL officials during a football game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys.
Author
Conflicts
Of
Interest (50%)
Colton Pouncy and Kalyn Kahler have a conflict of interest on the topic of NFL officiating department as they are reporting for The Athletic which is owned by AT&T. This company has financial ties to several teams in the league including Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions, which could affect their coverage.
Additionally, The Athletic is owned by AT&T which has financial ties to several teams in the league including Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions , which could affect their coverage.
The article also mentions Dan Skipper, offensive tackle for Dallas Cowboys , who reported himself eligible during a play by running onto the field with his left arm raised and right arm near chest. This could be seen as an endorsement of the team's position on eligibility rules.
The article mentions that Walt Anderson, senior vice president of officiating training and development at NFL , annotated footage from different angles of the key moments before and during the penalized conversion. This suggests a financial or professional relationship between The Athletic and NFL
