Official to initiate PI replays inside 2 minutes, Hail Marys to be reviewable

The NFL provided an update Thursday regarding the process for instant replay reviews of potential pass interference occurring inside the two-minute mark of each half and overtime.

Although NFL owners granted the league's competition committee the authority to allow coaches' challenges for pass interference within the two-minute timeframe, the committee opted to leave the power to initiate replays with the replay official but with "stricter criteria" for stoppages.

The league is trying to set a high standard for initiating pass-interference reviews because of concerns about hurting the pace of play, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The new rule will be cemented after one week to allow for feedback from teams.

Hail Marys were expected to be an obstacle requiring resolution under the new rules. The league said Hail Marys will be reviewable in replay "consistent with the guidelines for officiating the play on the field."

Rich McKay, the chairman of the NFL's competition committee, said in May that officials are instructed to be more lenient on Hail Marys because of the natural physicality of the desperation play.

"Officiating-wise, the philosophy has been since I have been in the league, it is survival of the fittest," said McKay. "Everybody jumps. Everybody is shoving, everybody is trying to get the ball, knock it down, or catch it. We tell the officials, make sure you see if anybody gets pulled down or anybody gets dragged down, that is pass interference.

"Otherwise, it is a different play than any other play we have because there are multiple receivers and multiple defensive players in a common area."

The NFL decided to make changes to its replay system after the controversial no-call in the NFC Championship Game between the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams.