John Caldwell:NFL referee Brad Allen, crew get another national TV game after Lions-Cowboys' controversy

2025-05-08 08:12:13source:Devin Grosvenorcategory:Invest

NFL referee Brad Allen and John Caldwellhis crew have endured criticism and sparked controversy so far this season, but they'll have another appearance on national television to close out the regular season.

Allen's crew, fresh off all the confusion at the end of last Saturday's Cowboys-Lions game, has been assigned to Saturday afternoon's contest between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter.

While the issue of a Lions offensive lineman reporting or not reporting as an eligible receiver on a crucial 2-point conversion play could have major implications on the Cowboys' and Lions' playoff paths, Saturday's game will have no impact on the Ravens, who have already clinched the AFC's No. 1 seed. The Steelers, however, still have a remote chance at claiming an AFC wild-card spot.

Here's a look at some of this season's questionable calls that will likely cost Allen and his crew a chance to officiate in the upcoming NFL playoffs.

Week 17: Two big calls in Cowboys-Lions game

With Detroit trailing Dallas by one point in the final minute last Saturday, Lions coach Dan Campbell called for a trick play on a potential go-ahead 2-point conversion. The Lions had offensive lineman Taylor Decker report as an eligible receiver, but Allen announced "No. 70," lineman Dan Skipper, had reported instead.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

The confusion and subsequent penalty negated a successful completion to Decker in the end zone that would have put the Lions up 21-20. Detroit ultimately failed to get the conversion and lost by a point.

Less than two minutes earlier in the game, Allen called a tripping penalty on Cowboys tight end Peyton Hendershot, which nullified a 7-yard run by Tony Pollard. The 15-yard foul helped the Lions get the ball back for their touchdown drive.

Week 13: No pass interference on Green Bay's Carrington Valentine

Late in a Sunday night game between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was attempting to lead a fourth-quarter comeback.

On a deep pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers defensive back Carrington Valentine initiated contact with the receiver before the ball arrived in what looked like a clear pass interference penalty. However, no flag was thrown and the the Chiefs ended up losing the game.

Week 12: Saints upset over no-call

In the second quarter of an NFC South showdown between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, Allen's crew did not call interference on a pass attempt from Saints QB Derek Carr to RB Alvin Kamara. Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss was defending on the play, but never turned around to look for the ball and the pass fell incomplete.

The no-call forced the Saints to kick a field goal in a game they went on to lose 24-15.

More:Invest

Recommend

The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10

CHICAGO (AP) — A jury awarded nearly $80 million to the family of a 10-year-old Chicago girl who was

3 indicted in overdose death of 1-year-old at 'fentanyl mill' Bronx day care

The operator of a Bronx day care center believed to be a front for a drug distribution operation, he

Lionel Messi may play Saturday, Inter Miami hints in social media post

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi’s absence from Inter Miami’s lineup may be over.The team u