Refs controversial, questionable calls mar end of Packers loss to Lions

The Green Bay Packers suffered a 20-17 defeat to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, largely due to a combination of their own mistakes and questionable officiating calls. Rookie kicker Trey Smack missed two field goals from inside 35 yards, becoming the only player in the league to miss multiple non-extra point kicks from that range this season.

With an opportunity to create space for a potential game-winning drive, defensive lineman Karl Brooks jumped offside and allowed Detroit to kick the game-winning field goal as time expired.

Green Bay's problems were compounded by eight penalties for 81 yards, some of which are likely to fuel heated discussions among adults about how the NFL treats quarterbacks. One particularly egregious call came in the fourth quarter when a roughing the passer flag was thrown for an incident that Tom Brady deemed unfair. Tom Brady expressed his disbelief, questioning how such a call could be considered roughing the passer.

Another questionable call involved Brenton Cox, who was pulled down by a late block and hit Jared Goff in the center of his body as he released the ball. This 15-yard penalty erased a third-and-long incompletion and moved the Lions closer to the Packers' end zone. Following this, an iffy intentional grounding call further hindered Jordan Love, who subsequently threw an interception on third and long.

Perhaps the most memorable and controversial call came after a post-play scuffle between Amon-Ra St. Brown and Devonte Wyatt. A referee was seen angrily throwing a flag into the air during the altercation, leading to a touchdown two plays later for Detroit. This incident, along with several other 50/50 calls that went against the Packers, provided the Lions with several extra chances to score.

While Green Bay's loss was primarily due to their own errors and the officiating, the team's receivers may have still dropped the game-winning passes even with the stops negated by bad penalties. Nonetheless, Wisconsin fans can take solace in the fact that their state's beloved baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers, will still be providing entertainment this season.