AJ Hawk Penalized For Pass Interference

If you watched the NFL season opener Thursday night between the Saints and the Packers, you were fortunate to see two of the NFC's best teams squaring off in prime time. The Pack took an early lead, but the Saints came back with potential to tie the game. With 3 seconds left and goal to go, Brees was flushed from the pocket and fired a strike to Darren Sproles in the end zone. Packers linebacker AJ Hawk made an incredible flying leap and knocked the ball away from Sproles. Game Over.

Friday September 9, 05:26 AM
Green Bay Packers' A.J. Hawk (50) is called for pass interference as he knocks down a pass intended for New Orleans Saints' Darren Sproles (43) during the second half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won 42-34. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)

With such a thrilling finish, most football enthusiasts didn't want it to end. This included one referee who threw his yellow hanky out onto the field. Even the Jumbotron replay showed that it really wasn't even close. There was no contact whatsoever until the ball was firmly swatted away.  See for yourself below.

After a quick conference between the other refs, you would think they would come up with the correct call. Right? Nope. The ball was placed at the one yard line and the Saints were allowed to run another play. Luckily the Packers stood their ground and ended the game by stuffing Mark Ingram in his tracks. (otherwise the officiating crew may have never made it out of Lambeau alive)

Otherwise, the officiating was pretty great, but it only takes one spoiled apple to ruin the whole basket.  How do we fix this terrible problem from happening again? Make pass interference reviewable? Have another ref watching from the booth? Mandatory eye exams for referees?  If you have any other thoughts on this, post your ideas in the comments.