1.) With the Lions up 14-7, Brees drops back to pass and gets hit as he throws by Willie Young. the ball flies forward, a whistle blows, and the ball is scooped up by a group of Lions with nothing but green in front of them. The whistle renders the play moot but it’s revealed that Brees’ arm wasn’t going forward. It was a fumble. But because of the whistle, it’s Detroit ball but no TD. Detroit goes three and out. Instead of it being 21-7 Detroit, Saints kick a field goal, making it 14-10
2.) On the opening drive of the 2nd half, Detroit’s up by 4. New Orleans runs the ball on 3 and 2 deep in Lions’ territory.. Thomas is stopped nearly at the line of scrimmage. Referees spot the ball for a first down. Saints drive for a TD instead of punt. Instead of 17-10 or 21-10 Detroit had they got the ball, It’s instead 17-14 New Orleans. The pendulum swings in favor of the Saints. Lions would never lead again.
3.) Saints line was shown clearly holding and tackling Lions’ defenders. Not one holding call the entire game. Not one.
4.) Later in the game, Stafford drops back and lets one fly. He gets hit after he let’s it go. Not only that, but he gets hit in the head. much like the shot called on Spievey earlier in the game. No call. Instead of 1st and 10 in Saints territory, and 3rd and long in Lions territory
Sadly, this is all too common this year in the NFL. Officiating is deciding games. Rules are being inconsistently enforced and the NFL should be embarrassed by this, particularly with the inconsistencies in how roughing the passer and hitting defenseless receivers are being called. It’s too bad such a potentially great game was marred by such poor officiating.