New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan questioned a late pass interference penalty that helped the Carolina Panthers secure a 20-17 win on Sunday, November 15.
With the game tied in the closing seconds, Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was called for defensive pass interference while covering a deep throw from Bryce Young to Jalen Coker. The 30-yard penalty moved Carolina into field goal range, where Ryan Fitzgerald made a 54-yard kick as time expired.
Jordan shared a video of the play on X with a four-word question: “What is OPI?” His post appeared to suggest that Coker should have been called for offensive pass interference instead of McKinstry for defensive pass interference.
## How the Late Penalty Set Up Carolina’s Winning Kick
The penalty came shortly after New Orleans had tied the game. Trailing 17-14 with 41 seconds remaining, the Saints connected on a 55-yard field goal by Charlie Smyth. Carolina took over at its own 34-yard line with 34 seconds left.
After an incompletion, Young threw deep toward Coker, who was covered by McKinstry. Officials flagged the Saints cornerback for defensive pass interference, advancing the Panthers 30 yards to the New Orleans 36-yard line. Fitzgerald then made the game-winning field goal.
The NFL distinguishes between offensive and defensive pass interference. Offensive pass interference can include a receiver pushing off a defender to create separation. Defensive pass interference involves prohibited contact that significantly restricts a receiver’s opportunity to catch the ball.
Whether Coker’s contact met the standard for offensive pass interference is open to interpretation. Jordan’s post did not establish that the officials made an incorrect call, but it made clear that he questioned why the penalty went against New Orleans.
## Loss Changes the NFC South Picture
The result was especially costly for the Saints, who had an opportunity to move into first place in the NFC South. Carolina improved to 4-5, while New Orleans dropped to 3-6.
The officiating drew attention throughout the game. Carolina was penalized 17 times for 152 yards, compared with three penalties for 46 yards against New Orleans. Panthers observers also had complaints, including an offensive pass interference call against tight end Darren Waller earlier in the contest. The late penalty against McKinstry, however, helped decide the game.
New Orleans had mounted its comeback despite a difficult offensive afternoon. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough completed 25 of 35 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown. Alvin Kamara scored twice, helping the Saints take a brief fourth-quarter lead. Kamara’s role in the backfield had also drawn attention ahead of the matchup, amid questions about how New Orleans would divide carries among him, Travis Etienne and Audric Estime.
Instead of securing a key division win, the Saints left the game a win behind Carolina and questioning the call that put the Panthers in position to prevail.
