Dan Campbell Confirms Play Call on Goff from N.Y.; McNeill to Debut
Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell recently clarified a controversial call from their previous game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite claims from referee Craig Wrolstad, Campbell stood firm that the penalty flag thrown on quarterback Jared Goff’s would-be touchdown was influenced by the league office in New York.
Controversial Call During Chiefs Game
The incident occurred late in the first quarter, with 5:24 remaining on the clock. Goff had connected with running back David Montgomery for what seemed to be a 6-0 lead. However, a subsequent penalty was called for illegal motion against Goff.
After lengthy discussions, officials penalized Goff, which sparked frustration among Lions’ players and coaching staff. Even though Wrolstad stated that they received no assistance from either Kansas City or New York, Campbell insisted that an official had mentioned the call came from New York. This discrepancy has raised concerns among Lions’ fans regarding the legitimacy of the decision-making process.
Defensive Tackle Alim McNeill Set to Debut
On a positive note, Campbell announced Defensive Tackle Alim McNeill is expected to make his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football at Ford Field. This marks McNeill’s return after a torn ACL injury sustained last season against the Buffalo Bills.
Campbell expressed confidence in McNeill’s impact, stating, “Barring something happening this week, Alim’s freakin’ playing.” McNeill has proven himself as a significant asset, recording 45 pressures and 3.5 sacks last season.
- Injury History: McNeill hasn’t played since Week 15 of last season.
- Expected Contributions: Key pass rusher and run stopper.
- Team Dynamics: Campbell noted McNeill elevates the performance of his teammates on the field.
Additionally, Campbell shared that McNeill would be evaluated on his playtime during the game. He indicated that more practice reps would help McNeill regain his form before the matchup.
In summary, while the Lions face scrutiny over officiating in their recent game, the possible return of McNeill adds a hopeful element to their upcoming performance against the Buccaneers.
