Coach Dan Campbell Highlights the Scrutiny Facing Players in High-Profile NFL Games

The Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is known to express himself on and off the field. He candidly expresses his opinions, even towards the officiating. Lately, he pointed out his criticism, along with the players, for issues connected with officiating. In a tie-breaking game recently against Green Bay Packers, Lions defensive back Brian Branch was ejected. Campbell feels that players should know about the extra attention the league is giving them, especially in big games.

NFL Officiating and Player Ejections In the NFL, the league's officiating office in New York sometimes summons the on-field referees to recommend player ejections for personal fouls. This is how it happened to Branch in that game against the Packers. Campbell argued that such interventions happened much more often for those games of higher profile, in which again players are under extreme scrutiny.

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Dan Campbell and post game Detroit Lions locker speech...

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The Scrutiny of Prime Time Games
"He's got to get used to that, too." said Campbell, according to NBC. Campbell reminded Branch and his teammates that they are closely monitored by the league office, especially now that the Lions are an excellent NFL team. The team's games often receive massive TV exposure, so they are the best point of focus for the officials in many instances. As Campbell noted, playing prime time games, New York is going to look all these. He asked for the players' understanding towards the higher stakes involved.

Different Outcomes for Different Games
Interestingly, Campbell may not have known games that played on Sunday were happening. Hours before the Lions' game, Carolina's Xavier Woods gave Saints receiver Chris Olave a vicious hit, incurring multiple penalties and forcing Olave into the hospital. Woods got to remain in the game while Branch was ejected for a hit that did not injure his opponent.

Questions About League ConsistencyIt also raises important questions about the consistency of league officiating. Why did Branch get tossed out while Woods was left in the game? This difference has to be explained by the league office. Campell can be skewered over saying the league is officiating classes of games differently, but his comments only serve to reinforce that the NFL has a long way to go in terms of oversight and ensuring the safety of its players.

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