A controversial pass interference no-call late in the Saints-Rams NFC championship, later deemed a missed call by the NFL, likely played a hand in the Rams moving on to the Super Bowl. Had the play been flagged, the Saints would’ve moved inside the 10-yard line with 1:45 remaining, putting them in a favorable position to score a touchdown and go ahead, most likely for good.
Instead, they were held to a field goal, which the Rams matched at the end of regulation before winning in overtime. You can see the play for yourself — it seems like a cut-and-dry case of PI, with the Rams’ Nickell Robey-Coleman making the tackle well before the ball arrives and even admitting so after the game.
This missed call has been the source of much controversy, dominating most postgame coverage and conversations, and the Washington Post reports the NFL will consider making PI reviewable to prevent repeat instances.
This rule was adopted by the CFL in 2014, allowing called or uncalled cases of pass interference to be eligible for a coach’s challenge. As noted in the Post story, the NFL has been traditionally hesitant to make judgment calls such as PI subject to review. At least three-quarters of the league’s owners would have to sign on for the change to be made.
Unfortunately, whether or not a rule change does come to pass, it would be too late for Saints fans, who will watch as the Rams will move on to play against Tom Brady’s New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Perhaps it would’ve been neat to see Drew Brees go head-to-head with Brady one more time in the twilight of their careers, but instead, it’ll be the up-and-comers led by Jared Goff and 32-year-old head coach Sean McVay against the vaunted combo of Brady and Bill Belichick.
h/t Washington Post
