I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one, friend. That is 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.