Officials Explain Late OPI on Stefon Diggs That Wiped Out Patriots’ 61-Yard TD in Win Over Saints
Referee Adrian Hill said an early downfield block before the pass created the foul after an O2O rewind delayed the announcement.
Overview
- DeMario Douglas’ apparent 61-yard touchdown on third-and-2 was nullified by offensive pass interference on Stefon Diggs late in the first quarter.
- Adrian Hill explained that Diggs initiated a block downfield prior to the throw, which became OPI once the pass was released.
- The announcement came late because an official rewound the long-developing play over the official-to-official system to confirm the sequence.
- On the next snap, Saints corner Quincy Riley was flagged for defensive pass interference, extending the drive that helped New England to a 25-19 victory.
- Mike Vrabel said he had no explanation for the call, while Diggs urged a league review after two OPI penalties, including one that erased his own 51-yard catch.