Unique Explanation Could Explain Lions Not Questioning Officials

Was Jawaan Taylor tipping plays?

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell declined to discuss to what degree the sideline interacted with officials regarding Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor lining up improperly all throughout the game. 

“Yeah, I can’t talk about the officials. I’ve been told that, so I’m not even going to go there," Campbell told reporters, after being asked why Taylor was continuously allowed to line up improperly. "But here’s the thing man, the officials are going to call all or not call what they’re going to do. Every crew is different, and they decide what they are or aren’t going to do and we’ve got to play by the rules, so. They were good with it and we’ve got to adjust.”

Throughout the game, many wondered online why Taylor, who appeared to be lining up improperly along the offensive line and could have not flagged for numerous false starts, was allowed to continue committing clear infractions. 

After reviewing film, several analysts offered up a unique explanation why the Lions may not have been all that concerned about Taylor, since his stance could have given away a ton of clues about what play was being ran. 

It appeared on film if Taylor was in a wide stance, with his hand not in the dirt and his back foot tapped, the play ended up bein a pass. 

If he was in a three-point stance, the play ended up being a run, as the talented right tackle was setting up for run blocking. 

Any advantage the Lions could have gained would have been beneficial in their efforts to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' prolific offense. 

In the end, it appears the eyes of the NFL world all caught what Taylor was doing Thursday evening and the league is aware too, as Roger Goodell was in attendance at the game. 

Here's how Jawaan Taylor's right foot was tipping plays last night pic.twitter.com/X3d1YbmYss

— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) September 8, 2023