PFWA Pool Reporter Ben Raven Interview with Vice President of Instant Replay Mark Butterworth
New Orleans Saints vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Question: Regarding the play in the second quarter (9:34, Detroit 3rd and 16, Detroit 32 yard-line) the ball appeared to come out backwards. Does the intent on the throwing motion override the ball’s eventual direction?
Butterworth: “If the defender contacts the passer prior to the passer starting his throwing motion, then it can be ruled as a backward pass. Because Goff already started his throwing motion and then the defender contacted him, it is therefore a forward pass.”
Question: What is the determining factor in calling this play?
Butterworth: “The determining factor is does the passer begin his throwing motion prior to contact from the defender. The throwing motion starts as he begins to bring the ball up as a part of his windup and then the defender’s contact made the pass go backwards.”