NFL Rumours: Tom Brady Will Not Face Discipline for Criticising Refs During Lions-Packers

Tom Brady almost crossed the line when he criticised officials while calling Sunday’s game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers, but it appears that he did just enough to avoid getting in trouble.

According to Front Office Sports’ Alex Schiffer, Brady will not face punishment for his criticism of officials. When he was given an ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, one of the many conditions was that he not criticise officials during his time as a Fox analyst.

Brady nearly broke the rule after Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected for hitting Packers receiver Bo Melton in the head.

Brady stated, “I don’t love that call at all,” after the decision was made. “Obviously it’s a penalty, but to me, there has to be serious intent in a game like this.”

Still, Schiffer reported that a source said the NFL had “no issue” with Brady’s remarks and that the legendary former quarterback would not face a fine.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy explained the league’s reasoning in determining that Brady did not violate any rules.

“The concern would be if Tom was egregiously critical of officiating or called into question the integrity of an official or the crew,” McCarthy told reporters. “That did not occur in this instance.”

Although Brady is still adjusting to his new role as a broadcaster, he has received recognition for his progress throughout the season. The NFL’s decision not to punish him should make him feel more at ease as the season comes to a close and he prepares to call the Super Bowl for Fox.

Lions’ key starter may depart Detroit to sign a $5 million deal with a division rival

The Detroit Lions will have an opportunity to advance to the NFC Championship Game on Saturday when they face the Washington Commanders at Ford Field in the divisional round. Dan Campbell’s team concluded the regular season with a 15-2 record, securing the NFC North title and the No. 1 seed in the conference in Week 18 after a dominant victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

Detroit’s offense has been electric in 2024. While quarterback Jared Goff and the team’s skill players get most of the attention, the Lions’ offensive line has been the driving force behind Ben Johnson’s offense. Four of the five starters from last year’s offensive line returned for 2024, with Jonah Jackson being the lone exception after signing with the Los Angeles Rams during free agency last offseason.

The new addition to the offensive line is veteran guard Kevin Zeitler. The 34-year-old joined the Lions on a one-year deal in 2024 free agency and started 16 regular-season games for Detroit this year.

For fans looking to catch the Lions’ playoff games live in-market, there are cable-free viewing options.

Zeitler, who made the Pro Bowl in 2023, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason. While the Lions should aim to re-sign him, Isaac Zuniga of Last Word on Sports suggests the Chicago Bears should pursue Zeitler on a one-year, $5 million deal in free agency.

“Kevin Zeitler could be a solid fallback if the Bears miss out on younger, high-profile linemen,” Zuniga wrote. “If the Bears do hire Ben Johnson, maybe Zeitler would be inclined to join his former offensive coordinator in Chicago.”

Zeitler performed at a high level in 2024, allowing just 18 quarterback pressures across 577 pass-blocking snaps and earning an 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade, ranking third among NFL guards.

Detroit should prioritize bringing Zeitler back on a one- or two-year deal, but if he leaves, Chicago would be a logical destination. The Bears need to improve their offensive line after Caleb Williams endured the most sacks in the NFL this season. Their interior line has been a particular weakness, and adding Zeitler to stabilize the unit and provide veteran leadership would be a smart move for general manager Ryan Poles.

Lions are urged to sign a breakout edge rusher for $6 million to complement Aidan Hutchinson

The Detroit Lions will host the Washington Commanders at Ford Field in the divisional round on Saturday in an attempt to earn a berth in the NFC Championship Game for the second consecutive year. Despite losing star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson early in the season, Detroit has been one of the most dominant football teams this season, finishing with a 15-2 regular season record.

While the 24-year-old is hoping to return for the Super Bowl if Detroit advances that far, it is currently unclear if the 2022 No. 2 overall pick will make a comeback this season after suffering fractures to his tibia and fibula during the Lions’ Week 6 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Hutchinson was on track for a career season prior to his injury, recording 7.5 sacks and 45 quarterback pressures in five games. The Lions should focus on strengthening the pass rush this offseason, even though the 2023 Pro Bowler has made a name for himself as one of the best edge rushers in football.

Hutchinson needs a defensive line running mate, and Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report urges general manager Brad Holmes to pair the former Michigan standout with Azeez Ojulari, an edge rusher for the New York Giants, in 2025 free agency.

“Giants pass-rusher Azeez Ojulari helped himself a lot this season,” Knox stated. “Ojulari could become a huge star as a full-time player somewhere, even though he was mostly a supporting player in New York. The first houses the Lions, who, in addition to Aidan Hutchinson and Za’Darius Smith, could use another sack artist.

After sustaining a season-ending toe injury during New York’s Week 12 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ojulari only appeared in 11 games in 2024. The 2021 second-round pick doesn’t require surgery and will be completely healthy when free agency starts in March, according to Dan Duggan of the Athletic, despite the fact that Ojulari’s injury is deflating because he was in the middle of a career year.

Ojulari recorded six sacks, 22 quarterback pressures, and just one penalty in those 11 games. Despite having limited playing time and battling injuries throughout his career, the former Georgia standout appears to be improving.

Ojulari has only appeared in all 17 games once, during his 2021 rookie season, when he recorded eight sacks and forty-two quarterback pressures. The 24-year-old demonstrates why he was one of the best pass-rushing prospects in his draft class when healthy and given plenty of playing time.

All things considered, Brad Holmes would be wise to sign Ojulari to a fair contract in free agency that would be between $5 and $10 million annually. The former Day 2 selection could grow into a top-tier starting pass rusher who would be Hutchinson’s ideal complement and a potential replacement for 32-year-old Za’Darius Smith, who will become a free agent in 2026.

Officials in Lions-Commanders game appear to miss a penalty on hit that briefly knocked Jared Goff out of the game

Jared Goff threw a terrible interception, and things got worse for him.

The Detroit Lions quarterback was pursuing an interception return for a touchdown when he was hit hard in the head by Washington Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu during an NFC divisional round game on Saturday night. The Commanders scored, Goff was taken to the blue medical tent for a concussion evaluation, and Washington should have received a penalty.

The Commanders defeated the No. 1 seed Lions 45-31.

Goff takes a hard hit to the head. Rules analyst says this should’ve been a flag for the helmet to helmet. pic.twitter.com/flmMtVquRz

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) January 19, 2025

According to Fox officiating expert Mike Pereira, Luvu hit Goff in the head, which should have resulted in a 15-yard penalty, negating the touchdown but allowing Washington to keep possession.

“This should have been called,” Pereira explained.

Goff went into the medical tent, emerged with his helmet on, and returned to the game shortly after. Teddy Bridgewater, who recently signed after coaching his high school team to a state championship in Florida, took over for Goff. With Goff on the sideline, the Lions made a big play when Jameson Williams scored on a 61-yard run off a reverse.

The Lions and Commanders put up a lot of points in the first half. It appears that some of the Commanders’ points should have been returned due to a penalty.

Jared Goff’s wife was praised for what she did before the Lions-Commanders game

The Detroit Lions will face the Washington Commanders on Saturday night in a divisional round matchup for a spot in the NFC title game.

While the game is the primary focus for players, coaches, and fans, star quarterback Jared Goff and his wife, Christen, are also paying attention to what’s going on in their hometown. Goff began his career with the Rams and played in Los Angeles before being traded to Detroit.

He and his wife collaborated with Crain Homes to raise funds for those affected by the wildfires raging across Los Angeles.

“Defend the Dens: Together for LA!” Crain Homes, a company dedicated to creating spaces of comfort and belonging, understands the devastating loss of a home and the strength required to rebuild. Detroiters understand that healing and hope thrive when the community works together,” Crain Homes wrote on Instagram.

“Go to the link in our bio (or Instagram story) to bid on two VIP tickets to tomorrow’s Detroit Lions game with front-row seats in Section FLS–so close you could high-five the players. Enjoy VIP parking and early access to the MGM Grand Detroit Tunnel Club, which includes all-inclusive dining and drinks.

“…We’re proud to partner with the Goff family @jaredgoff@christengoff to support @californiastrong -don’t miss your chance to be part of something bigger while enjoying an unforgettable game day experience!”

To view embedded media, please see the original article.

Fans flocked to the comments section to applaud the Goff family’s partnership.

“What an amazing way to support California,” one person said.

“How humble. “Thank you,” said another.

“As if I couldn’t love you guys more! I’m so honoured to know you!” said a third.

“Thank you @christengoff@jaredgoff as a Michigander who has lived in LA, this fills my heart with appreciation and hope,” another user tweeted.

Parking in Lions vs. Commanders: Three Detroit lots are alleged to have charged $900 for spots

The Brief

A $999 parking rate for Saturday’s Lions vs. Commanders game at Ford Field was a mistake, according to Park-Rite.

The employee who posts parking prices said a placeholder he uses on the backend was inadvertently published on SpotHero.

Judge David Allen ordered the lots to reopen.

DETROIT (FOX 2) – An outrageous price to park in Downtown Detroit for Saturday’s Lions vs. Commanders game was a mistake, a judge ruled on Friday.

The three lots managed by Park-Rite are now back open after an emergency hearing spurred by the city shutting down the lots.

The backstory:

According to the city, spots were advertised for $999 on SpotHero, a third-party website that allows people to reserve parking spots, earlier this week. Per Park-Rite’s fee schedule on file with the city, the company can charge up to $150 per spot.

“It appears that they’re admitting that a rate was published, but it was erroneous,” said Jason Harrison, an attorney representing the city.

Park-Rite’s lawyer, Michael Vogt, said the hefty price was inadvertently published. According to Vogt, Miquel Nouhan, the employee who manages e-commerce for Park-Rite, uses “999” as a placeholder when lots are sold out.

“That was my own internal code to tell me that that event is sold out and off the board,” Nouhan said.

According to Vogt and Nouhan, a change to SpotHero’s website led to the placeholder number being published publicly as a price for parking spots.

After discovering spots being advertised on SpotHero, Nouhan said he reached out to his representative with the site to get the issue resolved.

No one was charged the price, and it has since been removed from SpotHero.

Judge David Allen said he understands why the city would want to go after a company selling parking spots for $999. However, he agreed that the price was a mistake and ordered the lots to be reopened.

What they’re saying:

After Friday’s hearing, the director of Detroit’s Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department responded in a statement.

“Today, we accomplished what we set out to do, which is to make sure parking lot owners are charging only the rates they are allowed and not trying to gouge customers,” David Bell said. “While the judge ruled against the closures we had requested, our proactive efforts have let all parking lot owners know that we are watching. This is an important reminder to all parking operations to follow the rules and to parking lot users to know that the city is out here working to protect them.”

By the numbers:

Parking prices always skyrocket downtown when there are big events – but not to the prices being charged for this weekend’s football game.

When the Detroit Tigers were in the playoffs last year, the lots closest to Comerica Park ranged from $50-$80 ahead of the games. Lots that required a bit of walking were $10-$20.

Currently, parking lots closest to Ford Field on SpotHero, a website that allows drivers to book spots in advance, range from $100 to $150. Other spots in downtown are under $100, but still pricey – ranging from $50 to $90 in most areas.

Walking will get you a spot closer to $25, with some spots available for as cheap as $15 if you don’t mind getting your steps in.

Headed to the game? Avoid parking and take a bus. Find our Lions transit guide here.

Lions playoff game has highest non-Super Bowl ticket prices ever

Sticker shock may have set in at the end of the season as the Lions clinched the NFC North division in the last game of the season when they played the Minnesota Vikings, but that hasn’t stopped the price from climbing.