Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney did not hold back when criticizing the NFL officiating following his team’s frustrating 20-17 loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 7 on Sunday.
McKinney expressed his frustration after several controversial calls went against Green Bay, suggesting the officiating is becoming a serious problem for the team. With the Packers now sitting at 4-3, the veteran safety made it clear that he believes the officials played a significant role in Sunday’s defeat.
"I would rather get fined and try to help my team out because I see what’s going on, and it’s killing us." Xavier McKinney and the Packers criticized the officiating after their loss to Detroit Sunday. More: https://t.co/CORnV5iYOQ https://t.co/YnTz5RA8rm
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 26, 2026
“I would rather get fined and try to help my team out because I see what’s going on, and it’s killing us,” McKinney said after the game. “We all see it. We all see what’s going on. Everyone sees what’s going on.”
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McKinney, LaFleur question controversial calls
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur also showed his frustration with the officials throughout the contest, getting heated on multiple occasions. However, he took a more measured approach when speaking to reporters afterward.
“I don’t even want to comment on the officials. It is what it is. You got to play above it,” LaFleur said, while acknowledging there were “some tough calls.”
Among the decisions that frustrated Green Bay were two roughing-the-passer penalties and an unnecessary-roughness call against defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. The latter came in the third quarter on a hit against Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, with the Packers disputing whether there had been a clear whistle to stop the play.
Green Bay finished with eight penalties for 81 yards, adding to the team’s frustration in a tightly contested divisional matchup.
Even legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady, who served as the game’s color commentator, questioned several decisions during the broadcast. Brady disagreed with at least one roughing-the-passer call, saying it was “definitely not roughing the passer,” while expressing disbelief at other rulings.
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Packers must look beyond officiating
Despite the questionable calls, Green Bay cannot pin the entire loss on the officials. Rookie kicker Trey Smack missed a 26-yard field goal and had a 35-yard attempt blocked, wasting opportunities that could have helped the Packers secure a victory.
Now 4-3, Green Bay faces a quick turnaround before hosting the Carolina Panthers (3-3) on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. The Packers will need to clean up their mistakes and move past the officiating controversy if they hope to get back on track.
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