Pass interference calls continue to dictate play in Cardinals’ loss to Niners

For a second week in a row, pass interference calls have played a factor in an Arizona Cardinals game.

And while the four pass interference calls resulted in just three points and 44 yards for San Francisco, the calls definitely impacted the game flow for the team’s defense, keeping them on the field and giving the opposition a new set of downs throughout the Cardinals’ 36-26 loss to the 49ers.

Almost from the start, the Cardinals were plagued with DPI. On the 49ers’ second drive of the game, cornerback Patrick Peterson was hit with a 28-yard penalty that moved the 49ers from just outside their own red zone to Arizona’s 45-yard line. The defense stood pat, however, forcing a turnover on downs.

In the second quarter, the Cardinals were hit with yet another call, this time a three-yard DPI from linebacker Haason Reddick. The 11-play, 55-yard drive resulted in points, as the 49ers trim the Cardinals lead to 16-10 just before halftime.

Much like the first half, the Cardinals continued to be penalized through the air. The DPI call on Joe Walker in the third quarter, however, marked a highly questionable call on the referee’s part.

This was called DEFENSIVE pass interference on the #Cardinals pic.twitter.com/crTCZYz5EE

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 17, 2019

Looking to make a play on the ball, Walker had his eyes and body turned to the football, with fullback Kyle Juszczyk slightly behind the LB.

As the ball came into reach, the fullback turned and made contact with Walker, even grabbing his facemask during the play.

The Cardinals wouldn’t be denied the interception, though, picking off quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo on Arizona’s five-yard line.

Not much later, another pass interference call would be made on Peterson, his second of the day, but the penalty was declined after the 49ers completed a deep pass.

Taking the last two weeks into account, the Cardinals have been hit with a total of nine defensive pass interference calls.

They did, however, benefit from the quick-triggering officials. Arizona receiver Christian Kirk earned three DPI calls on 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman in the first half alone.

[newsletter type=cards][/newsletter]

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