New England Patriots - NESN.com
Officiating overshadowed the start of Sunday’s game between the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints.
Drake Maye began the Week 6 matchup by throwing a 53-yard touchdown pass to DeMario Douglas on the opening drive. They appeared to connect on another 61-yard score in the ensuing possession, but a dubious call negated the big play.
As Douglas celebrated, referees called offensive pass interference on Stefon Diggs. Confused CBS broadcasters tried to decipher what sparked the flag while watching the replay.
Diggs, who was nowhere near Douglas, lightly extended his arm to push away Kool-Aid McKinstry. The Saints cornerback had wrapped up the Pro Bowl wide receiver with both hands at the start of his route.
The Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan shared footage of what he labeled an “outrageous call” on social media.
Callahan wasn’t the only viewer baffled by the flimsy penalty.
“The offensive PI in Patriots-Saints is blasphemous,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz declared.
“That is one of the worst calls in the history of the NFL,” MassLive’s Chris Cotillo claimed.
“Tough to make sense of that call,” CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said on the broadcast, per NBC 10 WJAR’s Kevin Moore.
The flag wiped away a huge play, but it ultimately worked out for the Patriots.
On the next play, the referees called another questionable pass interference penalty on Saints cornerback Quincy Riley. The possible make-up flag gave New England a first down and 21 yards instead of punting.
Maye ended the drive by throwing a 25-yard touchdown strike to Kayshon Boutte. The Patriots trail 16-14 late in the second quarter.
