Pass interference replay rule presents challenge for 49ers’ physical secondary

The NFL finalized the new pass interference instant-replay rule for the 2019 season. How will the officiating change affect the San Francisco 49ers and their physical secondary?

On Thursday, the NFL Competition Committee finalized a new rule allowing the instant-replay review of pass interference calls and non-calls during the upcoming 2019 season.

The policy change was a direct result of the infamous non-call in the closing minutes of the 2018 NFC Championship game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams. However, the new focus on pass interference penalties will have broad ramifications throughout the league — and particularly for the San Francisco 49ers’ physical secondary.

The NFL released the following information regarding the replay review of pass interference penalties in 2019:

"“The replay official will stop the game after the two-minute warning of each half and during OT. When there is “clear and obvious visual evidence” that a pass interference foul may or may not have occurred, based on viewing the play live or any initial replays, a stoppage will occur under stricter criteria than for other reviewable plays to prevent excessive game stoppages.A decision on the field will only be reversed based on “clear and obvious visual evidence” that the ruling was incorrect, the same standard for all reviews. This is wholly dependent on video angles shown by broadcast networks.By rule, pass interference requires an act that “significantly hinders” an opponent’s opportunity to make a play on the ball.All passing plays will be subject to review for pass interference. The “Hail Mary” play will be reviewed in replay consistent with the guidelines for officiating the play on the field."

The 49ers will be strongly impacted by the NFL’s new policy, particularly if defensive coordinator Robert Saleh sticks with the Cover-3 Press defensive scheme the team has utilized during his two years in San Francisco. Saleh’s scheme, which he learned during his time with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, relies on bigger cornerbacks with strength and physicality rather than blazing speed.

49ers top cornerback Richard Sherman — the prototypical corner for the Niners’ scheme — rarely draws penalties despite his physical playing style. Officials have good reason to keep their flags in their pockets and let Sherman play, given both his high-level technique and his ball-hawking skills. We’ll soon learn whether Sherman will be given the same amount of leeway once officials review his defensive efforts in slow-motion.

On the offensive side of the ball, the 49ers stand to benefit greatly from the NFL’s new replay rule, and not just from missed penalties committed by opposing defenses. San Francisco has suffered through a plethora of blown offensive pass interference calls during head coach Kyle Shanahan’s tenure with the 49ers, including a number of game-altering mistakes by officiating crews.

Shanahan missed out on his first NFL victory due to a phantom push-off call against wide receiver Trent Taylor in Week 3 of Shanahan’s inaugural season. Three games later, wideout Pierre Garcon was penalized for an “illegal pick play” when he was the intended recipient of the pass. Since both plays took place within the final two minutes, each would have been automatically reviewed, and likely reversed.

The referees struck again as the 49ers attempted a fourth-quarter comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3 of the 2018 season. One play after quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was lost for the season, backup QB C.J. Beathard tossed an unlikely fourth-down touchdown pass to tight end George Kittle which put the Niners back within striking distance. Unfortunately, a poor pass interference call on fullback Kyle Juszczyk negated the play and essentially ended the game.