The New Orleans Saints are slowly drifting out of potential playoff contention.

Today, they couldn't convert on any opportunity to beat the San Francisco 49ers. They got shutout. The defense played really well for most of the game, but it wasn't enough.

There was a peculiar play involving Saints' rookie wideout Chris Olave early in the game.

Taysom Hill threw a deep shot to Olave. Olave caught the ball, took the steps while getting tackled, went to the ground, and lost the ball. He had multiple necessary body parts down when the ball came loose as the ground caused the fumble.

The Saints' WR completed the catch, was tackled, then lost the football.

It was ruled that way on the field as well. Although, after review, the refs overturned the call on the field and called the pass incomplete.

It was a head scratcher for all parties involved. Not to mention, it was a momentum killer.

The Saints were about to have the ball inside the 49ers' 10-yard line. Instead, it was second and ten near midfield. The drive stalled shortly after, and New Orleans punted.

The Saints' needed an early score, and that situation really costed them. That being said, they had plenty more opportunities to put more than thirteen points on the board. They did not succeed, so they fell 13-0.

After the game, Saints' HC Dennis Allen was asked about the catch/no catch for Olave.

He was also very confused by the ruling and says that he does not know what a catch is in the NFL right now. 

Dennis Allen on Olave's catch being overturned: "I'm going to be honest with you, I don't know what a catch is in our league"

— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) November 28, 2022

He isn't the only one. Social media erupted after the reversal by the referees. Media members, fans, and players seemed to be very confused by the call.

Overall, it was just one of many things to go wrong for the Saints on Sunday.

The NFL needs to find much more consistency with the catch/no catch rule regardless, though.

Featured Image via USA TODAY-Sports