The Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions clashed on Thursday in a high-stakes Week 13 matchup. The game featured several memorable moments, but one stood out in particular: the controversial timeout. After the game, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur shared his reaction to the moment.
Matt LaFleur Addresses the Controversial Timeout
The Packers picked up a crucial 31-24 win over the Lions on Thursday. The Detroit side, now pointing out different reasons for their loss, is highlighting one major moment involving the referees making a wrong call.
Football is a game where even small mistakes can change everything, and on Thursday, fans accused the officials of making a big one. In the second quarter, the Packers were facing a fourth-and-1 when a false start appeared to occur. Normally, the five-yard penalty would push them back to a fourth-and-6.
However, the referees stated that LaFleur had called a timeout before the false start, so the penalty didn’t count. This instantly sparked debate among fans and analysts about how much that moment might have impacted the game.
Following the win, reporters asked LaFleur if the officials were right to grant the timeout instead of enforcing the penalty. “Of course, they got it right,” LaFleur said with a wink. He also said that he was calling for a timeout, but he couldn’t hold his smirk while giving this statement.
Late in the second quarter, the Packers were up 10-7 and had the ball at the Lions’ 2-yard line for a fourth-and-1. Right before the snap, it looked like guard Anthony Belton moved early, which should have resulted in a false start. That would have pushed the Packers back five yards and likely forced them to attempt a field goal.
However, because the timeout was called, Green Bay got another chance at fourth-and-1. The Packers’ Offense, which is currently ranked No. 7 on the PFSN’s Offense Impact, didn’t waste it. Jordan Love threw a 2-yard touchdown to Romeo Doubs, extending their lead to 17-7.
While the referees stood firm on their explanation that LaFleur called a timeout first, Detroit fans, after watching the replay, strongly disagree. They believe the right call could have changed the game’s direction and resulted in a different outcome.
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Still, LaFleur and the Packers believe the officials made the right call (at least from their perspective). After this intense division battle, Green Bay has strengthened its position in the playoff race, while winning the upcoming games has become more important for the Lions to keep their postseason hopes alive.