Sean Payton takes shot at referees over pass interference review

Sean Payton took a shot at the NFL officials over a pass interference review at the end of Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers that went against his New Orleans Saints.

The Saints and Panthers were tied at 31 late in their game and Carolina had a 3rd-and-goal from the five. They threw an incompletion but challenged in hopes of getting the call overturned due to pass interference. Their hopes were answered as the NFL called pass interference on a replay review, giving the Panthers a fresh set of downs.

Perhaps “ball don’t lie” prevailed, because Panthers kicker Joey Slye missed a chip shot field goal to end the possession and give New Orleans the ball. The Saints drove and kicked a field goal to win it 34-31.

After the game, Payton zinged the officials.

“New York” is a reference to the NFL’s replay center in New York, where challenges are reviewed.

The irony in the league deciding to overturn a pass interference call against the Saints, in New Orleans, and for a call like that, was so strong, especially since the rule came into effect because of an egregious call that went against them.