In one of the most puzzling calls to go against the Lions in their long history of falling victim to officiating controversies, Rams tight end Colby Parkinson was awarded a touchdown upon video review when replays showed his knee was down at least a yard shy of the goal line, giving the Rams a 27-24 lead in their 41-34 win over the Lions on Sunday in LA.
The play was ruled a touchdown on the field, which sent it to automatic review in the NFL's replay office in New York. Asked what explanation he received from the officials on the field after the review, Campbell said: "That the call stands."
The drive ultimately might have led to a touchdown for the Rams regardless. Parkinson did appear to complete the catch before his knee was down, which would have given the Rams a first down a yard or two from the end zone. The Lions' defense was on its heels for the bulk of the second half, allowing 267 yards, 24 points and about eight yards per play.
Still, Detroit deserved a chance to make a stand at the goal line, and its defense appeared to be robbed of that.
The loss drops the Lions to 8-6, and 4-5 over the last two months. They will need to win their final three games against the Steelers, Vikings and Bears and get help in the NFC to squeeze into the playoffs.