Saints involved in another controversial PI non-call in playoffs

The New Orleans Saints were burned by a pass interference non-call in last year's playoffs. On Sunday, they were once again hoping for a pass interference penalty as they were eliminated from the postseason.

Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph made a game-winning touchdown grab in overtime, but he appeared to push off on Saints corner P.J. Williams in order to gain separation.

ESPN officiating analyst John Parry said after the game that the play should've been flagged for offensive pass interference, adding if it was called and reviewed, the penalty would've stood. NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay also believed Rudolph committed offensive pass interference.

The NFL's head of officiating Al Riveron explained the ruling after the game.

"We looked at all of the angles that FOX afforded us, and FOX gave us some great views. There is contact by both players, but none of that contact rises to the level of a foul," Riveron said to Larry Holder of The Athletic.

"This is consistent with what we've done all year long, we left the ruling on the field. We let it stand."

Saints head coach Sean Payton didn't address the play in his postgame press conference.