For pass interference reviews, the National Football League (NFL) has established a new rule that will take effect in the 2019 season. This rule, approved in March, allows both offensive and defensive pass interference calls and non-calls to be reviewed. Coaches will now have the opportunity to challenge these penalties during the first 28 minutes of each half, with the final two minutes being subject to booth review. The criteria for stopping the game and reversing a call will be stricter, requiring clear and obvious visual evidence that an incorrect decision was made.
Under this rule, all passing plays, including “Hail Mary” attempts, can be reviewed for potential pass interference, even during the last two minutes of a half or game. Coaches will still be limited to two challenge flags per game.
The motivation for this rule change stems from a highly controversial missed pass interference call in the NFC championship game. With less than two minutes remaining in the game, the New Orleans Saints faced a crucial play. Despite what appeared to be clear pass interference by the Los Angeles Rams’ defender, no penalty was called, which ultimately affected the outcome of the game.
It is important to note that this new pass interference review rule will only be in effect for the 2019 season.
Certainly! Here’s some additional information related to the NFL’s pass interference review rule:
The introduction of the pass interference review rule came as a response to a highly publicized incident during the NFC championship game. The missed pass interference call in that game sparked widespread controversy and debate among fans, players, and coaches. The outcome of the game was significantly impacted by the non-call, leading to calls for greater accountability and accuracy in officiating crucial moments.
The implementation of the new rule aims to address concerns over missed or incorrect pass interference calls, providing a mechanism for potential errors to be corrected through video review. By allowing coaches to challenge pass interference penalties, the NFL aims to enhance fairness and ensure that pivotal plays are properly officiated.
However, it’s worth noting that the inclusion of pass interference calls in the review system has generated its own share of debates and challenges. Determining pass interference can be subjective, and opinions may vary on what constitutes a penalty. Some argue that subjectivity in officiating is an inherent part of the game, while others believe that technology should be leveraged to eliminate egregious errors.
The NFL continues to refine and evaluate its rules and review processes to strike the right balance between maintaining the integrity of the game and leveraging technology to enhance accuracy. The pass interference review rule represents a step toward greater transparency and accountability in officiating, with the goal of providing a fair and just outcome on the field.
