Saints-Cowboys team operator criticized after brutal wing-blocking penalty: ‘Worst call I’ve ever seen’
In an age of boom and hype, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and claim that something is “the worst”. On Thursday night, many were quick to point out that the Saints may have received the worst penalty of the 2021 NFL season, and…indeed, they might be right on this one.
In the third quarter of New Orleans’ 27-17 loss to Dallas, Saints tight shot Garrett Griffin was penalized for a save while trying to protect midfielder Taysom Hill from Cowboys defensive back Jayron Kearse. Hill completed a pass for Deonte Harris to get down first, but the play was obliterated by the flag, which pushed the Saints back deep into their territory. They played the ball three times later.
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So what does the NFL consider an outside block? From the tournament’s rule book:
It is fouled if a competitor initiates a block when his lane is towards or parallel to his end line and forces the opponent to contact his opponent with a helmet, forearm or shoulder.
Note: There is no foul on a clearance if a forced collision occurs in “close-in play” before the ball leaves that area. The ball is not considered to have left the area if a player snaps, from a pistol position or from below center, withdraws to the pocket immediately or with slight delay, and serves to other players or run with the ball yourself. This exception does not apply to any action other than a pre-designed playbook. Any forced contact in “closer gameplay” is still subject to restrictions on cracking and splintering blocks.
Saints coach Sean Payton clearly disagrees with Griffin’s interpretation of the block, as he can be seen on the Fox TV show yelling at anyone wearing a striped shirt.
“It was a terrible call,” said Fox analyst Troy Aikman. “I don’t blame Sean Payton. Just a terrible call.”
After the game, Payton told reporters he received no explanation for the penalty, appearing to dodge questions to avoid being penalized.
“I’m not really familiar with that type of block in that situation,” Payton said.
Unlike Payton, everyone in the NFL Twitterverse didn’t hold back. Many former NFL players have criticized the executive team, including longtime strike leader Geoff Schwartz, who said the side-blocking penalty was “the worst call I’ve ever seen.”
I saw this in real time and made a note that I might want to bookmark this block tomorrow because it’s cool.
– Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) December 3, 2021
So glad I’m retired, I feel sorry for you guys boyz
– Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) December 3, 2021
Media members were similarly confused by the call.
Out of all the suspicious calls throughout the season, that was possibly the worst.
– Rich Eisen (@richeisen) December 3, 2021
If Jayron Kearse is trying to dodge an obstacle noticeably, it can’t be a block by definition.
– Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 3, 2021
The saints lost about a quarter of a football field on a standard block known as the “curtain.”
– Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) December 3, 2021
Again, the NFL recently redefined the “blind” block to mean any block thrown with the blocker’s back facing the target line the offense is headed towards. It doesn’t really mean “blindfolded” anymore.
However, that’s not it on the Saints there. Terrible penalty call.
– Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 3, 2021
That whole dynamic just went from bad to worse starting with an external blocking call
– Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) December 3, 2021
Do the refs want Griffin to let Taysom get blown up by the DB in that play? Like seriously, what the man refs want.
– Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) December 3, 2021
That penalty wasn’t the only reason the Saints lost – Hill threw in four interceptions, including one late in the fourth half – but it certainly didn’t help their cause.