The New Orleans Saints may have again found themselves the victims of a botched officiating decision, this time shortly before halftime in their Week 1 Monday Night Football game against the Houston Texans. Given an explanation from NFL senior vice president of officiating Al Riveron, that appears to be the case.
Shortly before halftime, the Saints found themselves trailing the Texans and in an 11-point hole, trailing the Texans by a score of 14-3. Saints quarterback Drew Brees hit wide receiver Michael Thomas for a 17-yard gain, which was initially signaled short of a first down. The Saints hurried up to the line of scrimmage to send Brees over the top for a quick conversion, but a late whistle from the officials called the play dead and sent it up to the booth for review.