Well, here we go again.
The Vikings stunned the football world on Sunday when Kirk Cousins connected with Kyle Rudolph for a 4-yard goal-line fade in the end zone, giving Minnesota the 26-20 overtime victory in New Orleans.
But it wouldn’t be Saints playoff football if it didn’t come with a little controversy. Rudolph, matched up with cornerback P.J. Williams, appeared to extend his arm, giving him some breathing room to make the game-sealing catch. No flags for offensive pass interference were thrown, despite the judge being right on top of the play.
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There was some clear hand-fighting between both Williams and Rudolph, but it looked like Rudolph got the better end of the exchange, putting some distance between him and Williams on the touchdown grab.
The play, of course, didn’t go to review: a rule that was implemented for the 2019 season deems that pass interference calls — both offensive and defensive — can be initiated by officials in the booth.
NFL head of officiating confirmed following the game that officiating let the call stand, deeming there just wasn’t enough there to overturn (or review) the call.
Ironically enough, that change was sparked because of the 2018 NFC championship game, when Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman leveled Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis in a clear defensive pass interference infraction. The referees kept the flags in their pockets, leading to the rule change.
This is the third straight playoff exit for the Saints which has been mired in some modicum of drama. In 2017, the Minneapolis Miracle sent the Saints home with a loss, while that infamous no-call in the 2018 NFC Championship matchup lead to more controversies in 2019.
Needless to say, Twitter rules experts were out in force, offering opinions from all corners of the football world:
The Vikings advance and will play the 49ers in San Francisco next week.