Chiefs/Texans PI

[zm1283]

Brandon Flowers got called for pass interference late in the game just now while defending Andre Johnson of the Texans. Johnson clearly pushed off just prior to catching the pass and Flowers didn't touch him, but was called for PI. The replays showed this as well. How does the official in the back who threw the flag miss something so obvious even though those two players are all he has to watch on the play? Did anyone else see it?

[Official]

I'm a huge chiefs fan so of course I watched. I think sometimes officials are so caught up on calling the interference on the defense.

[GoodwillRef]

For whatever reason we need more contact from the offense than the defense in football and basketball for a foul/penalty. It isn't right but is seems like that is the way we call it. Thoughts?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

For whatever reason we need more contact from the offense than the defense in football and basketball for a foul/penalty. It isn't right but is seems like that is the way we call it. Thoughts?

I didn't see the play, so can't comment on the call. But this comment seems consistent with how NFL officials enforce PI: the NFL wants scoring, because most fans like offense. So the rules and enforcement favors the offense. :shrug:

When they hire me, I'll enforce it that way.

[MD Longhorn]

I saw it, and it was DPI all the way. If you get a chance to watch again, watch the defender's feet. He is slightly ahead of Johnson and to the left, then as Johnson starts to pass him, he moves right, getting directly in Johnson's path - THAT is where the DPI happened (and no, he wasn't looking back yet). Johnson's push did look bad, but he was merely fending off a player that moved into his way.

[zm1283]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

I saw it, and it was DPI all the way. If you get a chance to watch again, watch the defender's feet. He is slightly ahead of Johnson and to the left, then as Johnson starts to pass him, he moves right, getting directly in Johnson's path - THAT is where the DPI happened (and no, he wasn't looking back yet). Johnson's push did look bad, but he was merely fending off a player that moved into his way.

VIDEO: Pass Interference Call On CB Brandon Flowers - Arrowhead Pride

There is the video of it. You're kidding, right? If DPI was called this way every time in the NFL, they would spend the entire game marking off PI penalties and defensive units would have no chance to stop anyone. They were running stride for stride and Johnson pushed him off to get separation. I don't know how you could see anything else in that video.