Ref Admits Mistake in Initially Granting 4th Timeout for Lions vs. Saints

The Detroit Lions knocked off the New Orleans Saints on Monday 35-27, but the final possession of the first half made headlines after the game.

The officials initially granted the Lions a fourth timeout as the Saints were about to snap the ball on fourth down. According to Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk, referee Pete Morelli admitted it was a mistake to stop the play.

Morelli said the officials should not call a penalty in such a situation unless a team is attempting to ice the opposing kicker, noting the play "Should have just kept going" when speaking to pool reporter Ted Lewis after the game.

The Saints found the end zone three times during the possession, but replay overturned Brandin Cooks' would-be touchdown catch, and ineligible receiver calls wiped out the other two would-be scores. The inadvertent timeout came before Drew Brees found Marques Colston on fourth down.

The home fans in New Orleans showered the officials with boos as they left the field for halftime.

Ultimately, the Lions built a 28-3 lead in the third quarter, but Brees and the Saints came roaring back and found themselves down by only one score at the end of the contest. With both teams at 5-9, the game won't have an impact on the playoff race, but it will affect the draft order, and both coaching staffs may see some turnover in the offseason.

Jim Caldwell is 16-14 in two seasons with the Lions, while Sean Payton is 85-57 in nine seasons with the Saints.