Alex Kemp somehow found a way to defend a seemingly indefensible pass interference penalty against Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin.
The head referee from Sunday night’s game offered his interpretation of the controversial penalty that effectively sealed Detroit’s 16-9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
Ya-Sin was, of course, flagged for a phantom pass interference on Eagles receiver A.J. Brown on third-and-8 that gave Philadelphia a first down with 1:47 in the fourth quarter. The Lions could have gotten the ball back, with one timeout, if not for the call.
Detroit (6-4) fell for the third time in its past five games and is now 0-2 in one-score games this season. The Lions will host the New York Giants (2-9) on Sunday.
Rock Ya-Sin ‘Grabbed’ A.J. Brown’s Arm
The Lions had just kicked a field goal and gotten within one score on the previous possession. After stopping Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on first and second downs, then forcing a false start that made it third-and-8, Detroit would have had ample time to move the ball — especially with the No. 1 scoring offense in the NFL.
Yet, the Ya-Sin call effectively ended the game. Replays showed Brown extending his right arm to get separation — and the ball really wasn’t catchable — but the flag was thrown.
Even a former receiver, and the usually poised veteran commentator, Cris Collinsworth couldn’t contain his disbelief over the call.
“Oh, come on. Come on. That is terrible,â Collinsworth said on NBC when watching the replay. âThat is an absolutely terrible call that is going to decide this football game.â
The foul gave the Eagles an automatic first down at their 45-yard line. The Eagles salted away the clock to finish off their fifth straight win and improve to 8-2 and 7-1 against the NFC.
So when asked by pool reporter Zach Berman of The Athletic, Kemp explained what the flag-throwing official saw on the controversial play.
âThe official observed the receiver’s arm getting grabbed and restricting him from going up to make the catch,” Kemp said. “So, the ball was in the air, there was a grab at the arm, restricted him and he called defensive pass interference.â
The Lions Were Very Upset About The Pass Interference
The Lions defense was exceptional despite the loss. They limited Philadelphia to 272 total yards and held quarterback Jalen Hurts to a 14-for-28, 135-yard performance while giving Detroit a chance to win.
So when asked about the call, Ya-Sin credited Brown’s pedigree as a three-time Pro Bowler.
“A.J. Brown [is a] really good player,” Ya-Sin said. “Sometimes those kind of players get those kinds of calls.
“I’ve got to do a better job.”
But when asked of Ya-Sin’s penalty, Lions head coach Dan Campbell offered high praise of his cornerback and supported how he played it.
âI thought he played defense like he did the whole game,â Campbell said of Ya-Sin. âPlayed it like he played the very first rep that we played man to man, so I wouldnât tell him to do anything different.”
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