The NFL season's first significant officiating controversy occurred Sunday, September 13, 2026, when the New Orleans Saints had a defensive touchdown against the Detroit Lions overturned due to an obscure rule. The play, which would have given the Saints a score in the second quarter, ultimately contributed to their 31-30 overtime loss.
New Orleans defensive end Chase Young sacked Lions quarterback Jared Goff, forcing a fumble that Saints safety Jonas Sanker appeared to recover for a touchdown. However, following a review, officials determined the pass was incomplete, nullifying the score. This ruling, explained by NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira, stemmed from Goff having already begun his throwing motion. According to the rule, once a player initiates a forward throwing motion, any resulting loose ball is considered an incomplete pass, regardless of where it lands or if it is recovered by the defense.
"His intent was to throw it forward. Since that motion had already started, that’s going to be an incomplete pass, no matter where it lands," Pereira stated.
Despite the setback, the Saints mounted a comeback, erasing a 21-0 deficit in the third quarter. They tied the game late in regulation, but a 62-yard field goal attempt went wide, sending the game into overtime. The Lions ultimately secured the victory in overtime, though the Saints had a chance to tie the game near the end.
The incident drew widespread attention and confusion among fans and analysts, shining a light on a rule not commonly understood or invoked.