The Lions left their first home crowd of the 2023 season disappointed with a 34–31 overtime loss to the Seahawks. The game-winning play was a touchdown pass from Seattle’s Geno Smith to Tyler Lockett, with the receiver stretching the ball just around the pylon for the score.
But Lions fans were outraged over a penalty not being called on the play. It appeared that Seahawks right tackle Jake Curhan committed holding on Detroit’s Aidan Hutchinson, preventing the defensive end from sacking Smith before the QB threw the TD pass.
On replay, Curhan looked like he wrapped his right arm around Hutchinson’s neck and shoulder. Additionally, the offensive lineman appeared to grab his opponent’s jersey.
Did the refs screw the #Lions here? was this holding on Aidan Hutchinson?pic.twitter.com/K5E0dbqF9vhttps://t.co/ancu5D6kQO
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 17, 2023
Fans, and not just Lions supporters, sure seemed to think a flag should’ve been thrown on Curhan, which would’ve negated the Seahawks’ game-winning score.
They did. They do. Nothing new for Detroit. @NFLOfficiating 🤡🤡🤡 https://t.co/fVCpLiz9lW
— Hailey (@haileylaurenm) September 17, 2023
1000% HOLDING #Lions have been royally screwed by @NFLOfficiating in the first 2 games! https://t.co/HTM7q7iIFz
— J Scates (@jscates) September 17, 2023
Can someone please tell my why this isn’t holding?? @Lions pic.twitter.com/voDLkhsZSz
— Adrian (@Sosaguy) September 17, 2023
Seahawks holding penalty not called by refs on the game winning touchdown, Lions were furious after the play pic.twitter.com/Zyum8q6XOf
— Tedd Buddwell 🏀🏈 (@TedBuddy8) September 17, 2023
Lions get absolutely screwed by the refs, again! Clear holding missed. #OnePride pic.twitter.com/sQVxTS0t3m
— Mac Stoddard (@MacStoddard) September 17, 2023
Don’t worry Lions fans, I’m sure this loss won’t hurt as bad when the NFL Referees issue an apology and admit they totally botched this non holding call here… horrible way to end the game pic.twitter.com/RCX5fBMHgw
— Pat Boyle (@PatBoyle44) September 17, 2023
As many, including WFAN’s Pat Boyle above, sarcastically mentioned, the NFL’s standard method of business is typically to issue an apology to the affected team for the missed call. Oops, our bad! Sorry!
That will be no consolation for the Lions if the loss to Seattle ends up hurting Detroit’s playoff seeding – or costs them a playoff spot entirely.
