Lions fall to Steelers 29-24, playoff hopes dim after controversial late penalties

The Detroit Lions playoff hopes dimmed significantly following a 29-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, marked by controversial late-game penalties.

Why it matters: This defeat likely ends the Lions’ aspirations for postseason play, dropping their chances to just 6% with only two games remaining in the regular season.

• Despite the loss, quarterback Jared Goff delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 364 yards and three touchdowns.
• The Lions’ inability to capitalize on key moments has continued to plague them throughout the season.

What’s new: The game concluded with two critical offensive pass interference penalties against Amon-Ra St. Brown within the final 30 seconds, a rare occurrence that shaped the outcome of this tightly contested matchup.

• St. Brown's last-minute catch was nullified by the penalty, illustrating how crucial flags can alter game outcomes.
• Referee Carl Cheffers clarified the ruling, stating that St. Brown had created an opportunity for a defender through illegal contact.

Yes, but: The Lions must reflect on more than just the officiating, as they struggled offensively throughout the game, particularly in the rushing department.

• Detroit managed only 15 rushing yards, marking their lowest total since 2016 and showcasing a stark contrast to Pittsburgh's robust ground game, which amassed 230 yards.
• Coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the team's shortcomings, emphasizing, "We weren't able to close it out. And at the end of the day, that's on us."

Zoom In: Goff expressed frustration regarding the officiating decisions but refrained from placing blame solely on the referees.

• Notably, he pointed out a previous play involving rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa, suggesting it may have been misinterpreted by officials as well.
• This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among players regarding consistency in officiating during high-stakes moments.

What to watch: Moving forward, the focus will be on how the Lions regroup after this setback, particularly as they face significant challenges in their remaining schedule.

• With the playoffs now seemingly out of reach, the Lions will look to develop their younger talents while evaluating their overall strategy heading into the offseason.
• The team must also find ways to improve their running game, which has been inconsistent throughout the year.

The bottom line: The Lions’ loss to the Steelers marks a pivotal moment in their season, highlighting both the impact of late-game officiating and the need for improvement in key areas if they hope to contend in the future.