The Philadelphia Eagles escaped with a 16–9 victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday night, improving to 8–2 despite an offense that never really found its rhythm.
But the moment everyone is talking about is a late defensive pass interference flag on Detroit cornerback Rock Ya-Sin — the same player who appeared last week in a game attended by Donald Trump. The penalty arrived with 1:51 remaining on a crucial 3rd-and-8 from the Eagles’ 37-yard line. On the play, AJ Brown and Ya-Sin were locked in mutual hand-fighting, and Brown ultimately drew the flag that extended the drive.
The decision came not long after Tony Romo shocked fans with a bizarre on-air remark on CBS.
On NBC, analyst Cris Collinsworth exploded in frustration, blasting the officials as the Eagles picked up the first down that effectively sealed the win.
“That is terrible,” he shouted, according to Irish Star.
But referee Alex Kemp defended the ruling in the postgame pool report, insisting the officials made the correct call.
Kemp explained, “The covering official saw the defender grab the receiver’s arm and restrict him from going up for the ball. Since the pass was in the air and there was arm grabbing that limited the receiver, it was called defensive pass interference.”
Collinsworth and broadcast partner Mike Tirico strongly disagreed. Collinsworth argued the infraction should have gone the other way, calling it “an absolutely terrible call” that altered the game’s outcome. Tirico added that the physicality between the two players was nothing out of the ordinary.
ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak posted video of the play on social media with the hashtag #AlwaysCommittOPI, implying that Brown initiated the contact.
Even if the flag had not been thrown, Detroit still would have needed to put together a long late-game drive against one of the NFL’s top defenses to tie the game.
Quarterback Jared Goff endured a rough outing, completing just 14 of 37 passes for 255 yards, with a touchdown and an interception. Rookie star Jahmyr Gibbs carried most of the offensive load, piling up close to 150 total yards from scrimmage.
Ya-Sin was thrust into a starting role with Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis both out injured. Detroit had to rely on a patchwork secondary featuring Ya-Sin alongside Amik Robertson, Arthur Maulet, and former Eagles nickel corner Avonte Maddox.
The loss dropped the Lions to 6–4, pushing them out of position in a highly competitive NFC playoff picture. Detroit now trails the Bears (7–3) and Packers (6–3-1) in the race for the NFC North title.
