An illegal motion penalty negated what fans described as the ‘coolest’ touchdown of the NFL season on Sunday night in Kansas City.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff began the goal-line play under center before motioning left behind receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown near the pylon.
With Goff split wide, running back David Montgomery received the direct shotgun snap before throwing back to his quarterback, who managed to fight his way by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie with the help from a blocking St. Brown.
At first, it looked like a clear touchdown and an early 6-0 lead at Arrowhead Stadium.
Unfortunately for Goff, he committed a penalty on the play by failing to first establishing himself in the backfield before motion out wide.
‘This an illegal formation,’ NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay. said.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) runs into the end zone over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie, but the touchdown would be negated by an illegal-motion flag
Goff is seen speaking with Lions coach Dan Campbell after the touchdown was negated
Then, exacerbating the Lions’ situation, Goff was flagged for delay of game while arguing the non-reviewable call with officials on the field. As a result, Detroit would have to settle for a field goal and an early 3-0 edge.
Fans weren’t happy.
‘Cool should be the rule in all sports,’ one wrote on X. ‘If a play cool is enough, we let it stand no matter what.’
They added: ‘Don’t start about illegal motion. Jared Goff scored on the coolest play all season.’
Goff would redeem himself early in the second quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams. The point after gave Detroit a 10-6 edge over Kansas City with nearly 13 minutes left to play in the half.
