As fans, we often criticize officials for missing obvious calls or penalties. But the reality is officiating football games is very difficult. There are roughly 50 different potential penalties in the NFL, most of which referees need to be on the lookout for on every play.
Some of these penalties can be quite similar, such as pass interference and defensive holding. The illegal act by a defender that leads to both of these calls is the same. So, how do officials decide which penalty to call?
What Is the Difference Between Pass Interference and Defensive Holding?
On the surface, these penalties appear identical. Pass interference and defensive holding each occur most commonly when a defender makes unlawful contact with an eligible receiver beyond the line of scrimmage.
The NFL rulebook describes pass interference as this: “It is pass interference by either team when any act by a player more than one yard beyond the line of scrimmage significantly hinders an eligible player’s opportunity to catch the ball. Pass interference can only occur when a forward pass is thrown from behind the line of scrimmage, regardless of whether the pass is legal or illegal, or whether it crosses the line.
“When the ball is in the air, eligible offensive and defensive receivers have the same right to the path of the ball and are subject to the same restrictions.”
How is this not called pass interference?? Contact way before the ball got there. #DETvsHOU pic.twitter.com/GelLJ1mLeq
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) November 11, 2024
There are three key distinctions between pass interference and defensive holding, though. Understanding these differences will help fans know which penalty is coming when a flag is thrown and why that specific penalty was called.
The first key difference is timing. Pass interference can only occur after the ball is in the air. Before the quarterback releases the ball, any unlawful contact with a receiver cannot be pass interference because there is no pass to interfere with.
The second key difference is the offensive players upon which each penalty can be committed. Pass interference can only be committed on an eligible receiver. Defensive holding can be committed on any offensive player. This includes offensive linemen who are not eligible receivers.
Additionally, defensive holding can occur after the quarterback releases the ball if the holding occurs on an offensive lineman.
The NFL rulebook describes defensive holding as this: “Defensive player tackles or holds any opponent other than a runner.”
Ravens defenders with a lot of contact to the Bengals receivers on the 2 point conversion attempt. No flags on the play. #CINvsBAL pic.twitter.com/QCQLrfxZdG
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) November 8, 2024
The third key difference is the impact of the penalty. A pass interference penalty is a spot foul. Wherever the unlawful contact occurred, that is where the ball will be placed. Defensive holding is a five-yard penalty.
Both penalties give the offense an automatic first down.