New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton is a big reason why the NFL changed the pass interference rule but claims he won't use the new rule to his advantage unless it's an egregious missed call. Payton considered throwing a challenge flag after linebacker Demario Davis was called for pass interference on a third-and-2 pass near midfield.
There could have been an argument made either way for or against the interference call but Payton didn't think there was enough to warrant his ref flag being thrown.
“I thought about challenging the call in the second half on their touchdown (drive) and I just (decided against it) unless it is egregious,” Payton said via nola.com.
After the penalty, the Cowboys drove down the field and scored a touchdown to take back the lead and there was a chance it could have been overturned by replay.
Article Continues BelowIn terms of the pass interference, the hope was it would help, but there seem to be more questions than answers on what qualifies as pass interference.
During the preseason Payton challenged one pass interference call and he said he did it to try and get a better understanding of how the rule would be implemented.
Payton knows that most often they have been sticking with the call on the field and that is something he has taken notice to.
“As I evaluate preseason and early into this season, I just see a much more conservative approach in New York,” Payton said. “We have to pay attention to that.”