Mike Pereira: Pass interference rule 'set up Al Riveron for failure'

Mike Pereira, former NFL head of officiating and current FOX Sports rules analyst, sympathizes with Al Riveron as the senior vice president of officiating faces backlash in regards to the controversial new pass interference rule.

"It's a significant crisis brought on by this pass interference rule," Pereira said, according to Jarrett Bell of USA Today. "It set up Al Riveron for failure. They're trying to use a different standard for replays versus what is actually the standard on the field. What is gray is even more gray."

Riveron rules on all pass interference challenges from New York City.

"I feel badly for Al," Pereira added. "This (rule) has made his job tougher than my job ever was."

In June, the NFL approved instant replay for pass interference. The topic had previously been discussed during the league's annual meetings, but it moved to the forefront after a controversial non-call during last season's NFC Championship Game.

Through Week 12, however, only 15 of 77 (19.4%) pass interference reviews have been overturned. It's left coaches feeling uncertain about when to challenge calls.

"Throw a flag at your own peril," New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton said Monday.

Payton displayed his frustration after referees overturned a Carolina Panthers incomplete pass on third down in the fourth quarter Sunday and ruled it defensive pass interference against the Saints.

Two weeks ago, Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins criticized the officials' decision-making, suggesting someone other than Riveron should call the plays in New York.

"I'm anxious to see all the challenges, and then a poll of the coaches on what calls should have been overturned," Payton said. "Of course, (Riveron will) have his reasons for why not."