In a game with significant playoff implications, a controversial moment involving quarterback Jared Goff nearly resulted in a safety at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings defense. However, officials chose not to call intentional grounding against the Detroit Lions in the end zone.
The incident occurred midway through the second quarter, with the Lions clinging to a 7-0 lead. Goff, under immediate pressure after dropping back to pass, faced a collapsing pocket. Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel was crawling toward Goff’s feet while linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. delivered a hit to Goff’s midsection.
Goff’s pass traveled only a few feet, striking an offensive lineman. There was no clear receiver in the vicinity, with the nearest target, tight end Brock Wright, positioned roughly 45 degrees to the right of the throw.
The play quickly sparked debate. Sunday Night Football rules analyst Terry McAulay strongly believed officials missed a call for intentional grounding on Goff.
“He needs to throw it in the direction and vicinity of the receiver,” McAulay explained. “He’s not throwing it in the direction of 89 at all. It’s completely away from 89. This should have been flagged for intentional grounding.”
Despite the no-call, the Vikings benefited shortly afterward. Just a few plays later, pressure from the Minnesota defense forced Goff into a hurried dump-off attempt to the running back. Pace tipped the pass and intercepted it, setting the Vikings up in prime field position near the red zone.
Minnesota capitalized with a field goal, trimming the Lions’ first-half lead to 7-3.
