Matthew Stafford: 'Just Keep Moving On'

The Minnesota Vikings have Matthew Stafford's full attention
Matthew Stafford: 'Just Keep Moving On'
Matthew Stafford: 'Just Keep Moving On' /

In the past decade, there have been more than a handful of unusual calls from referees that have negatively impacted the Lions. 

Let's look at three of the most recent games that have infuriated fans throughout Detroit.

In 2010, the "Calvin Rule" was established in the season opener when Lions great Calvin Johnson caught what should have been a touchdown. 

Instead, NFL officials took the touchdown off the board, and ruled the pass incomplete. The Lions went on to lose the game.

In 2015 against the Seattle Seahawks, Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor forced the football out of Johnson's hands near the end zone. 

Seattle's K.J. Wright appeared to bat the ball out of the end zone. The play was called a turnover, as Seattle was granted possession. 

Upon review after the game, Wright batting the ball was an illegal play, and the correct call should have been to give possession to the Lions. 

In a playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys in 2015, former Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was clearly interfered with. 

Initially, the refs threw a flag, and then, inexplicably picked it up. 

During a media session on Wednesday, 97.1 The Ticket's Jeff Riger asked Matthew Stafford what it is about the Lions that causes them to continue to get the raw end of the deal regarding calls. 

"I don't know if it's that," Stafford said. "I am not really worried about it. There's nothing you can do about it now. You just keep moving on. Minnesota coming in here, they got my full focus."

Riger followed up with a sentiment that many fans have clamored for from the Lions leader, stating to Stafford, "You don't want to yell and scream about it. You don't think it would help?" 

Stafford responded, "You just have to move on to the next play. I don't think so." 

More: Rod Wood Has Spoken to League Officials

For more information, visit www.NFL.com and www.detroitlions.com.


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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!