After an officiating error failed to call pass interference in the final minute of the 2018 NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints, the NFL looked to correct the problem for the future. Starting in the 2019 season, the league allowed coaches to challenge possible pass interference. However, it didn’t take long for that to be proven as a waste of everyone’s time.
Through the first nine weeks of the season, nearly 91% of all pass interference calls had been upheld, with just five being overturned in challenges. Though the percentage got better over the final weeks of the season (finishing with 24-of-101 being reversed), the damage had already been done. With such an awful rate and the bad publicity that came with it, it looks like pass interference challenges will not be back in 2020.
When teams were surveyed about the rule change, an overwhelming number didn’t think the rule should come back for next season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
From @NFLTotalAccess: It appears that being able to review pass interference calls like the NFL did last year will be one-and-done. pic.twitter.com/dvqfwxfZ5o
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 6, 2020
The Baltimore Ravens weren’t immune to the issue either. Following an official calling pass interference against safety Tony Jefferson in the Ravens’ Week 3 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, Harbaugh didn’t throw the challenge flag. When asked about not using the rule, Harbaugh said it would have been a waste of a timeout.
“Unless it’s going to get overturned, and we have enough information now to know it’s not going to get overturned. It would have been a wasted challenge, 100 percent proven by the record to date.”
Though Harbaugh didn’t like the rule change, he did throw the challenge flag three times last season. Not a single one was overturned, according to Pro Football Reference.
Teams have proposed massive changes to the NFL’s officiating crew after what was widely considered a poor season. What those end up being and how it ultimately affects the league’s stance on pass interference challenges will have to be seen. But given the disdain shown by coaches like Harbaugh, it seems unlikely we’ll see the rule return next season.
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