Lions coach Jim Schwartz, officials have hand in controversial Texans TD

The Lions-Texans Thanksgiving game has produced arguably the season’s strangest call since the NFL owners lifted the lockout to allow full-time officials back on the field.

With the Lions leading 24-14 in the third quarter, the Texans’ Justin Forsett took a hand-off and ran up the middle for what appeared to be tackled after an 8-yard gain. When no officials blew the whistle, Forsett alertly extended the play running 81 yards for a touchdown.

Officials ruled the play a touchdown on the field, despite Forsett’s knee and elbow hitting the Ford Field turf.  A reversal appeared to be in order upon the automatic replay review following all scoring plays.

Unreal ruling. RT @AlbertBreer Booing couldn't be louder here. How is that not reviewable? If I were Schwartz, I'd get thrown out now.—
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 22, 2012

Before replay officials could review the play, Lions coach Jim Schwartz threw his red challenge flag, which by rule, calls for a 15-yard penalty and nullifying the automatic review.

rule is if the coach throws the flag before the Replay official initiates a review,the play cannot be reviewed. This will change.—
Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) November 22, 2012

Replay cannot initiate review of ruling against team that commits foul that delays next snap, such as illegal challenge flag—
Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) November 22, 2012

As a result of Schwartz challenging a play that was automatically reviewed, the touchdown ruling stood and the Texans drew to within three points, 24-21.