A premature whistle cost the New Orleans Saints a defensive touchdown in Sunday's rematch of the infamous 2019 NFC Championship Game that drew scrutiny because of an officiating error.
Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan recovered a fumble by Rams quarterback Jared Goff near New Orleans' 11-yard line in the second quarter and took it the distance for a score, but referees blew the play dead after ruling the fumble an incomplete pass.
New Orleans challenged the incomplete pass ruling, and the call was overturned to a fumble. The Saints took possession but didn't get any points on the play because of the early whistle.
Officials missed a blatant pass interference penalty against the Rams that would have put the Saints in position to kick an easy game-winning field goal in last season's NFC title game between these teams. The Rams wound up winning that contest to secure a berth in the Super Bowl.
Saints head coach Sean Payton could only shake his head at the latest miscue.