Sean Payton opens up about why he left the Saints (merged)

Bill said

That angle for Vinovich is more behind the ball than a direct side view like the other two officials. At Vinovich's angle he wouldn't be able to tell exactly how far the ball was from the receiver when he got popped. And Cavaletto's angle was even worse from his sideline position. The official who was reaching for his flag (and was called off by Cavaletto) had the angle that clearly showed how early the defender got to the receiver. Vinovich did not have such an angle.

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I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one, friend. That is not behind the ball. Brees was in the pocket way to the right. There should have been flags showering the field on that play, including from Vinovich.

And, as mentioned, he tried to say he didn't see the play.

As for the timid ref that didn't pull the flag, my take is that Cavaletto wasn't telling him not to throw the flag but he actions were directed at coach Payton who was flying up the sideline towards them. After all that confusion settled, none would awkwardly throw a flag that late. And just like that, our 99% ticket to the Superbowl was put in jeopardy. Perfect storm of incompetence, misunderstanding and confusion.