The Detroit Lions walked out of Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday night frustrated after a 16–9 defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles, a game marked by aggressive coaching choices, stalled third-down attempts, and a pair of high-profile penalties. But nothing stirred more outrage than a defensive pass interference call with 1:51 remaining, a flag that effectively sealed the outcome.
With the Eagles facing third-and-8 from their own 38, Detroit needed a stop to get the ball back and attempt a game-tying drive. Jalen Hurts targeted A.J. Brown on the right sideline, with cornerback Rock Ya-Sin running in lockstep beside him. Both players hand-fought for position as the pass sailed wide and incomplete. Detroit believed it had forced a punt—until a flag hit the turf. Officials ruled Ya-Sin guilty of pass interference, awarding Philadelphia a first down and the chance to drain the clock.
Ya-Sin stood frozen, hands on his helmet, stunned by a call he felt shouldn’t have been made—or should have gone the other way, accusing Brown of initiating the contact with an extended arm.
After the game, referee Alex Kemp, speaking to pool reporter Zach Berman of The Athletic, explained the decision:“The official saw the defender grab the receiver’s arm and limit his ability to go up for the ball,” Kemp said. “Because the ball was already in the air, the restriction constituted defensive pass interference.”
The Lions cornerback remained exasperated when meeting with reporters. Before he could answer a question about the penalty, safeties Daniel Thomas and Thomas Harper chimed in first.“It was (expletive),” they said simultaneously.
Ya-Sin waved them off and responded himself.“It was a call,” he said. “This is my seventh year in the league. I’m lined up against an All-Pro like A.J. Brown, and he’s going to get those borderline calls. I’ve got to get my head around sooner or play the ball better. The refs made their decision. That’s that.”
He added that the officials had largely allowed physical coverage throughout the game, which made the timing of the late flag even more surprising. He did not ask for clarification from the referees.“Their job is to officiate. Mine is to play. Simple as that,” he said.
Head coach Dan Campbell backed his cornerback completely.“He defended that route the same way he defended every other one tonight,” Campbell said. “He came up, challenged, and played his style. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Another contentious moment arrived earlier in the game. Midway through the third quarter, the Eagles lined up for their well-known “Tush Push” on third-and-1 at their own 41. Right guard Tyler Steen began tapping the turf with his right hand while remaining in his stance. Lions rookie defensive tackle Tyleik Williams jumped into the neutral zone, prompting a whistle. Surprisingly, the penalty went against Steen, not Williams—infuriating both the lineman and most of the nearly 70,000 fans in attendance.
Williams explained his perspective to NJ Advance Media:“I was a little offside at first, but I pulled back,” he said. “Then he started tapping me. I thought he was moving early, so I reacted. They called it on him. I’m not sure how it’s supposed to be called, but he can’t make contact like that. I just jumped.”
With the loss, Detroit slipped to 6–4, falling to third place in the NFC North. The Lions return home to face the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 24.
