Despite Costing Saints Super Bowl Bid, Replay Changes Likely Not Coming

The league is concerned about the pace of play being slowed even further thanks to extra replays.

The end of the NFC Championship game in 2019 in New Orleans. (Photo by Kevin C.  Cox/Getty Images)
The end of the NFC Championship game in 2019 in New Orleans. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Getty Images

After a blown call late in the NFC championship game cost the New Orleans Saints a trip to the Super Bowl, officiating in the NFL has been a huge topic this offseason.

Some have called for the expansion of instant replay to include judgment calls such as pass interference, but, as of now, it seems unlikely that will happen.

The league’s competition committee is aware of the sentiment, especially in New Orleans, to change replay but they are in no rush to change the system.

One of the biggest reasons for this is the league is concerned about the pace of play being slowed even further due to extra replays.

“I just don’t sense a lot of support to use replay to call penalties. I don’t sense a lot of support for the expansion of it, either,” said Giants owner John Mara. “We’re early on, so that might change, but that’s my sense of where we are right now. I’m not saying it won’t change.”

If the league does expand the rule, they need only look to the neighbors to the north. The Canadian Football League has allowed pass interference, called or uncalled, to be reviewed for the last five years.

More clarification could be coming when the 32 owners convene at the league meetings in Phoenix starting Sunday.

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