The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers may have the longest-running rivalry in the history of the NFL, but there was an NFL-first Thursday night. Packers coach Matt LaFleur became the first coach in league history to use a challenge on a non-call for pass interference.
Early in the fourth quarter, LaFleur asked officials for a second look when Bears wide receiver Taylor Gabriel hauled in a sideline reception for a first down. Gabriel's arm was extended and on the defensive back at the top of his route, but the play ultimately stood after referees determined he didn't push off. The result, no pass interference.
The new pass interference challenge was passed for the 2019 season and was in place throughout the preseason. Of the 15 pass interference calls made (and challenged), none were reversed. On the flipside, there were 39 non-calls challenged and seven were reversed.
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LaFleur may have come up on the wrong side of this challenge, but his decision to throw the red flag will be the first of many to come this season.
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