The New Orleans Saints believed they had scored a defensive touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon. The game was in the second quarter, and the Lions led 7-0. Saints defensive end Chase Young forced what seemed like a routine fumble from Detroit quarterback Jared Goff. The fumble appeared straightforward because the ball traveled backward without Goff’s arm moving forward.
Saints safety Jonas Sanker picked up the football and ran it into the end zone, seemingly marking New Orleans’ first score. However, this score was soon nullified. During the review, officials determined that Goff’s intent was to throw the ball forward, ruling the play an incomplete pass. The decision came despite the ball traveling backward.
‘He had started his throwing motion,’ explained Mike Pereira, NFL rules analyst for Fox Sports, during the broadcast. ‘Throwing motion begins when the ball is brought up. Once that starts, it is considered an incomplete pass, regardless of where the ball lands.’
This decision sparked confusion. The ruling emphasized Goff’s intention over the ball’s direction. The confusing nature of the ruling left many questioning how intent plays into such decisions.
Despite the Saints losing the touchdown, the Lions ended up punting on the drive. They maintained their 7-0 lead going into halftime. The ruling might become one of the most bewildering moments of the 2026 NFL season.
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