In a significant development concerning the officiating controversy in Saturday's game between the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions, it has been reported that the referee Brad Allen's crew will be downgraded for the postseason. The decision comes after a series of contentious calls that marred the outcome of both the Lions-Cowboys matchup and a previous game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a large portion of Brad Allen's crew will not be officiating in the postseason as they have been downgraded due to the questionable decisions made during these games. The move is seen as a consequence of the poor officiating that led to significant implications in the NFC playoff race.

During the Lions-Cowboys game, the Lions were on the cusp of taking the lead with a go-ahead 2-point conversion in the final minute. Quarterback Jared Goff connected with tackle Taylor Decker in the end zone, seemingly securing the 21-20 lead. However, multiple flags were thrown, penalizing Decker as an ineligible receiver and tackle Dan Skipper for an illegal formation. The subsequent failed conversion attempt cost the Lions the game, with the Cowboys emerging victorious with a score of 20-19.

The Lions players, as well as head coach Dan Campbell, expressed their frustration and disbelief at the officiating decisions made. Video footage captured the players approaching referee Brad Allen before the overturned 2-point conversion, seeking clarification on the ruling.

The controversy stems from conflicting statements made by Decker and Allen. Decker claimed that he informed Allen that he was reporting as an eligible receiver, while Skipper stated that he did not speak to Allen at all. If Decker's statement is accurate, he was indeed eligible, and Skipper was properly lined up in a legal formation. This would mean that neither penalty should have been called.

However, Allen asserted in a postgame interview that Decker did not report as eligible. He explained that Skipper had reported as eligible, leading the Cowboys to believe that Decker was ineligible. This confusion added to the chaos on the field, further exacerbating the situation for both teams.

This isn't the first time Allen's crew has found themselves at the center of controversy. In a previous Week 13 game between the Chiefs and Packers, Allen's crew oversaw a missed pass interference call that could have significantly impacted the outcome. Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine interfered with Chiefs receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, a play that would have brought the Chiefs within striking distance of a touchdown. However, the officials did not flag the penalty, and the Packers went on to win the game with a score of 27-19.

It remains unclear from Schefter's report whether Allen himself will continue to officiate in the postseason, but it is evident that part of his crew will not be partaking due to the downgrading. The NFL has made it known that officiating crews will be mixed for the postseason, and this recent saga has placed a spotlight on the need for increased accuracy and accountability among officials.

As the NFL heads into the playoffs, discussions surrounding the quality of officiating are likely to intensify. The league will be under pressure to ensure that questionable calls do not overshadow the outcomes of crucial matchups, urging officials to maintain fairness and consistency throughout the postseason.