Let’s be honest-few things in the NFL get fans riled up like a controversial penalty call. And when it comes to pass interference and defensive holding, the confusion can go through the roof. These two penalties look so similar that even seasoned fans might mix them up. So how do the refs decide which one to call? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s everything you need to know to sound like the smartest person in the room next time a flag flies.
Timing: The Ball Must Be in the Air for Pass Interference
Timing is the first and most crucial distinction. Pass interference can only happen once the quarterback has released the ball. If the defender makes unlawful contact with a receiver after the ball is in the air, it’s pass interference. Until the quarterback throws the ball, any illegal contact falls under a different penalty-typically defensive holding.
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
For example, if a cornerback grabs a receiver’s jersey before the ball is thrown, the referee will call defensive holding. If that same grab happens after the ball is in the air and it affects the receiver’s ability to make the catch, it’s pass interference.
Who Can Be Affected: Eligible Receivers vs. Anyone on Offense
Another big difference lies in who the penalty applies to. Pass interference can only be called if the illegal action targets an eligible receiver. These are offensive players allowed to catch the ball, such as wide receivers, tight ends, or running backs. Offensive linemen, who are not eligible to catch a pass, cannot be victims of pass interference.
Defensive holding, on the other hand, applies to any offensive player. A defender can be penalized for holding an offensive lineman just as easily as they can for holding a receiver. For example, if a defensive tackle grabs and restricts an offensive lineman from blocking properly, that’s defensive holding.
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Even after the quarterback releases the ball, defensive holding can still occur on offensive linemen. This makes the penalty more flexible than pass interference in terms of applicability.
Also Read: What Is The Pass Interference Rule In The NFL? Find Out
The Penalty’s Impact: Spot Foul vs. Yardage Penalty
The consequences of these penalties differ significantly. Pass interference is a spot foul, meaning the ball is placed where the infraction occurred. If the penalty happens 40 yards downfield, that’s where the offense gets the ball. This makes pass interference one of the most impactful penalties in football because it can lead to a huge gain for the offense.
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
Defensive holding, however, is a much lighter penalty. It’s a five-yard penalty from the previous line of scrimmage, and it always results in an automatic first down. While still beneficial to the offense, defensive holding doesn’t carry the same game-changing potential as a pass interference call.
Summary of Key Differences
Here’s a quick recap of how these two penalties differ:
| Category | Pass Interference | Defensive Holding |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | After the ball is in the air | Before or after the ball is thrown |
| Who It Applies To | Eligible receivers only | Any offensive player |
| Penalty Impact | Spot foul (ball placed at the infraction’s location) | Five-yard penalty, automatic first down |
Why These Distinctions Matter
Understanding these differences helps clarify why referees make the calls they do. For example, if you see a flag thrown before the quarterback releases the ball, you can bet it’s defensive holding, not pass interference. Similarly, if the penalty gives the offense a huge gain, it’s almost always pass interference.
Both penalties aim to ensure fair play and give offenses a chance to execute their plays without undue interference. While they may look similar at first glance, their distinctions in timing, applicability, and impact make them entirely different calls. Now, next time the debate comes up during a game, you’ll have all the answers.
Also Read: Explaining The NFL’s Fumble Touchback Rule: Why Is It So Controversial?
