Saints lose out on touchdown versus Lions after controversial review ruling reveals little-known rule
In a Detroit game, the Saints were denied a touchdown when a review ruled a fumble actually an incomplete pass under a rarely cited rule. The decision sparked confusion, but the Saints rallied to lose 31-30 in overtime.
In a Sunday afternoon clash at Ford Field, the New Orleans Saints were denied a touchdown after a controversial review that invoked a little‑known NFL rule. The decision, which reversed a fumble into an incomplete pass, left fans and analysts scrambling to understand the logic behind the call. The Saints ultimately fell to the Detroit Lions 31-30 in overtime, but the game’s early controversy set the tone for a hard‑fought finish.
What Happened on the Field
With the Saints trailing 7-0 in the second quarter, defensive end Chase Young tackled Lions quarterback Jared Goff, causing the ball to come loose. Saints safety Jonas Sanker recovered the loose ball and returned it to the end zone for what appeared to be a straightforward touchdown. The play was initially called a fumble, giving the Saints a 7-0 lead.
However, the officials reviewed the play and determined that the ball had been released while Goff was still in the act of throwing. According to NFL rules, if a quarterback begins a throwing motion and the ball is released before the motion is completed, the play is ruled an incomplete pass regardless of where the ball lands. The review overturned the touchdown, and the score remained 7-0.
Understanding the Rule
Mike Pereira, the NFL rules analyst for Fox Sports, explained the reasoning behind the decision. “Goff had started his throwing motion,” Pereira said. “Now, throwing motion is considered bringing the ball up. Forget about the hand at this point going forward. Throwing motion starts with his hand going up. Then he’s hit, ball comes loose. His intent was to throw it forward. Since that motion had already started, that’s going to be an incomplete pass, no matter where it lands.”
While the rule is part of the official rulebook, it is rarely invoked and many fans were unaware of its existence. The incident highlighted how complex NFL regulations can be and how a single play can hinge on a technicality.
The Game’s Momentum Shift
After the review, the Saints found themselves down 21-0 entering the third quarter. New Orleans mounted a comeback, tying the game with a 9‑yard touchdown catch by Juwan Johnson with 1:07 left in the third quarter. The Saints had a chance to win on the final play of regulation, but Daniel Carlson’s 62‑yard field goal attempt missed wide, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, the Saints had an opportunity to tie the game but chose to go for the win, driving the ball into Lions territory with just over a minute left. The Lions forced an incomplete pass, and the Saints’ final drive stalled, allowing Detroit to win 31-30.
Why It Matters
The ruling underscored how a single rule can dramatically alter the outcome of a game, and it sparked debate about the clarity and fairness of NFL officiating. The Saints’ loss, despite a strong comeback effort, was a reminder that the game’s outcome can hinge on technicalities as well as athletic performance.
Key Takeaways
- The controversial review overturned a Saints touchdown, citing a rarely used rule about incomplete passes during a throwing motion.
- New Orleans rallied from a 21-0 deficit but ultimately lost 31-30 in overtime.
- The incident highlighted the complexity of NFL rules and the impact of officiating on game outcomes.
- Fans and analysts called for clearer communication of rules to prevent confusion in future games.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the rule that caused the touchdown to be overturned? The rule states that if a quarterback begins a throwing motion and the ball is released before the motion is completed, the play is ruled an incomplete pass.
- Did the Saints have any other chances to win? The Saints tied the game in regulation and had a final drive in overtime, but they chose to go for the win instead of a tie.
- How common is this rule? It is part of the official rulebook but rarely invoked in games.
Why it matters
The decision highlighted how a single, rarely used rule can change a game’s outcome, raising questions about officiating clarity and fairness in the NFL.
Key points
- Controversial review overturned a Saints touchdown
- Rule about incomplete passes during throwing motion applied
- Saints rallied from 21-0 deficit but lost 31-30 in OT
- Fans and analysts called for clearer rule explanations
Frequently asked questions
What is the rule that caused the touchdown to be overturned?
The rule states that if a quarterback begins a throwing motion and the ball is released before the motion is completed, the play is ruled an incomplete pass.
Did the Saints have any other chances to win?
The Saints tied the game in regulation and had a final drive in overtime, but they chose to go for the win instead of a tie.
How common is this rule?
It is part of the official rulebook but rarely invoked in games.
