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2h ago

Officials Defend Late OPI That Wiped Out Patriots’ 61-Yard TD as Diggs, Vrabel Object

Head referee Adrian Hill said the earlier downfield block became a foul after the pass was thrown.

Stefon Diggs during the Patriots' win over the Saints in New Orleans.
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs gets about 10 yards on the play after catching a pass during second half action at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Oct. 5, 2025.

Overview

  • New England defeated New Orleans 25-19, but two offensive pass interference penalties on Stefon Diggs erased major gains.
  • The first call nullified a 61-yard touchdown to DeMario Douglas, with the flag announced after a delay as officials reviewed the start of the play over their O2O system.
  • Hill described the ruling as a downfield block that is not a foul until a pass is thrown, a sequence he said required rewinding a long-developing play.
  • A second OPI on Diggs wiped out a 51-yard reception on third-and-17 in the fourth quarter.
  • Diggs said the Patriots will submit the plays for league review and maintained he disagreed with the penalties, while coach Mike Vrabel said he lacked a clear explanation.