Lions, Dan Campbell Rip Officiating After Costly Calls in Packers Defeat

The Detroit Lions’ 27-13 Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers was tough enough on the scoreboard. But what infuriated head coach Dan Campbell and his players even more were a series of controversial calls — and non-calls — that left the team convinced officials tilted the game in Green Bay’s favor. Campbell has now publicly demanded the NFL review the officiating.

Three moments in particular have drawn the most outrage.

1. Brian Branch’s Pick-Six Overturned
Early in the third quarter, cornerback Brian Branch appeared to swing momentum with a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown that would have cut Green Bay’s lead to 17-13. Instead, the score was wiped out by a defensive holding penalty on Rock Ya-Sin, flagged for grabbing Jayden Reed well away from the play. The five-yard infraction handed the Packers a first down, and Green Bay turned the drive into a field goal to go up 20-6. Fans erupted online, calling it a soft call that “completely changed the game.”

2. No DPI on Jaire Alexander vs. Amon-Ra St. Brown
With Detroit trailing 20-6 in the fourth quarter, Jared Goff launched a deep ball toward Amon-Ra St. Brown near the red zone. Replays showed Jaire Alexander tugging at St. Brown’s arm, but no flag for defensive pass interference was thrown. Instead of a first-and-goal, Detroit settled for a field goal to make it 20-9. Supporters were livid, pointing to past DPI controversies in Lions-Packers matchups. Analysts labeled it a “highly questionable no-call” that cost Detroit a much-needed touchdown chance.

3. Micah Parsons’ Sack Without a Facemask Penalty
Just before halftime, with the Lions down 10-3, new Packers star Micah Parsons sacked Jared Goff, forcing a fumble Detroit recovered. Lions fans argued Parsons clearly pulled Goff’s facemask, but officials kept the flag in their pocket. On the very next play, Goff threw an interception to rookie Evan Williams, ending a promising drive. While not as game-shifting as the earlier moments, the sequence fueled suspicions that calls were going Green Bay’s way.

After the final whistle, Campbell was blunt. He said the “integrity of the game” requires accountability and urged the league office to take a hard look at how officiating influenced the result.

For Lions fans, the frustration feels familiar. Controversial calls against Green Bay have scarred Detroit before, and Sunday’s loss revived painful memories. This time, Campbell is determined to ensure the NFL hears the Lions’ anger loud and clear.