The pass interference challenge is starting off the playoffs a lot like it ended the regular season.
The Houston Texans became the first team to challenge a pass interference call in the playoffs, arguing that wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was interfered with on a key third down play in the first quarter. You be the judge:
Was this probably pass interference? Yes.
Was it going to be overturned if challenged? Probably not. pic.twitter.com/tlMZzEXIv8
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) January 4, 2020
Anyone who watched football in the regular season likely knows what came next. The no-call was upheld, and the Texans lost a timeout. Hopkins had openly gestured for his coach to throw the challenge flag, but considering how this rule has worked out for him this year, he probably should have known better.
In other words, this looks like it’s going to be the same as it was in the regular season, as if there was any doubt. Coaches should probably shy away from throwing the flag on anything pass interference-related unless they have nothing to lose or the call looks incredibly obvious.
