New Orleans, LA – October 13, 2025
Saints legend Drew Brees, the iconic former quarterback who led New Orleans to Super Bowl XLIV glory, has fiercely criticized a series of referee decisions in the Week 6 matchup against the New England Patriots (ending 25-19 in favor of Pats). Speaking on his podcast “Brees Knows” and through social media, Brees labeled these calls “blatant cheating,” arguing they robbed the Saints of a comeback chance while giving the Patriots an undeserved edge. “I’ve seen enough. These decisions aren’t just mistakes—they’re clear bias, ruining the fair play spirit of the NFL,” Brees said in a viral clip.
Despite the Saints mounting a strong second-half rally (leading 19-18 late in Q3), controversial calls forced them to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns, resulting in a narrow defeat. Here are the four key plays Brees highlighted:
Missed Pass Interference (PI) on Saints DB Marshon Lattimore: In the Patriots’ second drive (Q1, 6:20 mark), QB Drake Maye threw deep to WR DeMario Douglas, but Lattimore was accused of blatant contact that went uncalled. Brees argued it was a clear DPI, costing the Saints a crucial first down and setting the tone for biased officiating.
🚨🚨INSANE🚨🚨
THE VERY NEXT PLAY, THE REFS MISS AN OBVIOUS PASS INTERFERENCE ON THE #SAINTS DB — THE #PATRIOTS SIDELINE WAS LIVID.
This is one of the worst officiated games in
#NFL history.
So this is NOT pass interference?!??! @NFL pic.twitter.com/1RCfxRg8M6
— Mike Mutnansky (@MikeMutnansky) October 12, 2025
🚨HISTORICALLY BAD GAME🚨
THE REFS CALLED ANOTHER AWFUL PENALTY ON THE #PATRIOTS — A FAKE OFFENSIVE PASS INTERFERENCE ON STEFON DIGGS 51-YARD CATCH.
The refs also made up a call on the Pats on their 60-yard touchdown play.
THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED.pic.twitter.com/Yn4ZZG5p2A
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) October 12, 2025
Late Flag OPI on Stefon Diggs Canceling a 61-Yard TD
: The most shocking moment came when Maye connected with Douglas for a 61-yard touchdown, only for a late flag to call Offensive Pass Interference on Diggs for a minor push-off on Lattimore. The TD was overturned, leaving Pats with just a field goal. Brees called it a “joke,” insisting Diggs was simply running a routine route.
Apparently this is pass interference on Diggs
Welcome to the NFL in 2025
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 12, 2025
Non-existent Illegal Shift and OPI on Patriots Offense
: During a Q2 drive, an “illegal shift” call—deemed nonexistent by many—was followed by a “soft” OPI on Diggs, nullifying a 50-yard first down and forcing a 3rd and 27. Brees slammed the calls as protective measures for the Patriots.
Bogus Personal Foul and Makeup Calls on Saints: After the OPI, a questionable personal foul was called on Saints DE Carl Granderson, but a clear holding by the Pats O-line went unnoticed in the next play. Brees labeled it a “classic makeup call,” accusing refs of favoring the Patriots under the guise of balance.
The NFL community erupted, with #RefsScrewSaints trending on social media. Saints HC Dennis Allen sidestepped direct comments, saying, “We focus on football, not whistles.” Patriots HC Mike Vrabel smirked, “Refs are part of the game—we won with execution.” However, Brees, with 20 years of NFL experience, demanded NFL action: “If they don’t fix this, fans will tune out. Saints deserved a fair shot.”
Brees’ intervention—having previously led the Saints to a Super Bowl win over the Patriots—has intensified the debate, especially as the Saints (1-5) face a tough schedule ahead. Will the NFL investigate? Answers may come from the league office this week.
