K.J. Wright Illegally Batted Ball on Calvin Johnson Fumble, Lions Should've Kept Possession
Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright illegally batted the ball out of the endzone on the Lions’ final play. Upon review, this play was upheld by the officials, and the Seahawks were given the ball on a touchback. As ESPN officiating expert Gerry Austin said after the game — and they also said they confirmed with NFL VP of Officiating Dean Blandino — Wright should’ve been flagged. The Lions would’ve kept the ball with possession inside the one. Expect this to be an enormous deal on the debate circuit on Tuesday.
UPDATE: This explanation, that the penalty should have been called on the field but is not reviewable, probably won’t be much consolation to the Lions:
[Video via Marcus D]