The New Orleans Saints were victims of their own design, when a late defensive pass interference call was reversed at home against the Carolina Panthers, with head coach Ron Rivera challenging the call that set up a go-ahead field goal. Former NFL safety turned analyst Ryan Clark was critical of the review, noting the irony in the Saints suffering from a rule change they petitioned.
The play came towards the end of the fourth quarter with Carolina driving. A Rivera—who's on the hot seat—challenge set the Panthers up in the red zone with a first down, but Joey Slye missed the 28-yard attempt, giving New Orleans the ball back.
Serendipitously, for the Saints, the call against them for pass interference did not end up hurting, as star quarterback Drew Brees led them down the field the next drive and Will Lutz hit his second game-winning field goal of the 2019 season.
Clark, 40, let out his frustrations on social media.
“Straight up, worst case [pass interference] scenario for the Saints. If I'm [referee] Al Riveron, I'd be like ‘Y'all fought for the rule and this is the birthplace of the PI review.'
So, ‘thanks to you for helping us be better.”
Woe!! Straight up, worst case PI scenario 4 the Saints. If I’m OG Al Riveron I’d be like Y’all fought for the rule and this is the birthplace of the PI review. So, “Thanks to you for helping us be better”. Get it how u live bruhdas! But, Antie nem at the crib ain’t kool on this.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) November 24, 2019
The Saints move to 9-2 on the season with Sunday's home win at the Superdome, but it's clear the pass interference challenge and review by officials—along with the questionable rollout—has been squarely put on the franchise's shoulders after the NFC Championship Game was under heavy scrutiny for a missed call.
However, it's arguable that the blame cannot be placed on the Saints, although they were the victim and loudest voice to call for the rule change.
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