Well, here we go again.
The Vikings stunned the football world on Sunday when Kirk Cousins connected with Kyle Rudolph for a 4-yard goal-line fade in the end zone, giving Minnesota the 26-20 overtime victory in New Orleans.
But it wouldn't be Saints playoff football if it didn't come with a little controversy. Rudolph, matched up with cornerback P.J. Williams, appeared to extend his arm, giving him some breathing room to make the game-sealing catch. No flags for offensive pass interference were thrown, despite the judge being right on top of the play.
MORE: Revisiting Saints' non-call that changed NFL replay review
You. Like. That.
— Sporting News (@sportingnews) January 5, 2020
Kirk Cousins and Kyle Rudolph with the walkoff OT win in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/0W2b4gtl34
There was some clear hand-fighting between both Williams and Rudolph, but it looked like Rudolph got the better end of the exchange, putting some distance between him and Williams on the touchdown grab.
It is illegal for an offensive player to extend his arm or arms and create clear separation from the defender. That was OPI. #MINvsNO
— Terry McAulay (@SNFRules) January 5, 2020
The play, of course, didn't go to review: a rule that was implemented for the 2019 season deems that pass interference calls — both offensive and defensive — can be initiated by officials in the booth.
NFL head of officiating confirmed following the game that officiating let the call stand, deeming there just wasn't enough there to overturn (or review) the call.
"All angles of the final play of #MINvsNO were looked at in New York – there is contact by both players, but none of that contact rises to the level of a foul." - AL pic.twitter.com/FvnuA3I4cs
— NFL Officiating (@NFLOfficiating) January 5, 2020
Ironically enough, that change was sparked because of the 2018 NFC championship game, when Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman leveled Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis in a clear defensive pass interference infraction. The referees kept the flags in their pockets, leading to the rule change.
This is the third straight playoff exit for the Saints which has been mired in some modicum of drama. In 2017, the Minneapolis Miracle sent the Saints home with a loss, while that infamous no-call in the 2018 NFC Championship matchup lead to more controversies in 2019.
Needless to say, Twitter rules experts were out in force, offering opinions from all corners of the football world:
...and this is why the PAss Interference challenge rule is terrible: they’re stealing my joy and emotions in the most critical moment of the game while we wait for a potential review
— Joe Thomas (@joethomas73) January 5, 2020
Before PI was reviewable, no one would complain about a push off from Rudolph. Now that PI is "reviewable", it's getting the twitter outrage treatment
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) January 5, 2020
That is absolutely a push-off on Kyle Rudolph. Why even say pass interference is reviewable if you won't look at that?
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) January 5, 2020
Saints fans watching that Rudolph push off not being reviewed: pic.twitter.com/d669Lktzrg
— MVP BERTANS (@BertansW) January 5, 2020
Time for Al Riveron with the Mother of All Makeup Calls.
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) January 5, 2020
Rudolph sure extended his arm.
Rudolph absolutely pushed off.
— John Hendrix (@JohnJHendrix) January 5, 2020
Kyle Rudolph on the last play pic.twitter.com/WqrJamaf3D
— 𝓳𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓼𝓸𝓷 👾 (@RoyceWRLD) January 5, 2020
The Vikings advance and will play the 49ers in San Francisco next week.
