Refs blow the game

Salvitore Stitchmo wrote:

So to the rules of the game it's holding. But, and there is always a but - here is the issue from my perspective.

First and most importantly - that flag is thrown on plays like this (which let's be honest happen on almost every damn pass play of every game played in the NFL) maybe 50% of the time at best. It's the definition of the often used "ticky-tack" penalty.

Yesterday the officiating crew did a pretty good job I felt of keeping these calls to a bare minimum and this is the key point. The players 100% adjust throughout the game based on how the officials call the game. We all do at all levels of sports that are officiated. If you have played a full game where after a quarter you know they are being super strict on stuff like that then you know it's something you just can't do - that wasn't the case yesterday.

I just don't understand how, after officiating the game for 58 1/2 minutes one way, you decide to get ever so slightly stricter on that one play. That's simply poor officiating and the worst part is that prior to the play even happening, those officials know the implication of throwing a flag and what it means - basically game over and a season decided because of it.

You look at the AFC title game where that dude from Cinci makes that bone-headed play on Mahomes at the end. That's an example of something you can't let go. That hold? Come on now.

So to wrap it up, you have a ticky tack penalty that is really a coin flip call at best. A call you haven't been making all game that you know in that situation has HUGE implications. I'm sorry but the default there has to be no flag unless it's something so obviously egregious which that wasn't. You clearly can't mug the receiver on that play but that was the contact that was crucial factor in deciding an entire season of the National Football League? Nope.

the fat lady went home wrote:

Salvitore Stitchmo wrote:

So to the rules of the game it's holding. But, and there is always a but - here is the issue from my perspective.

First and most importantly - that flag is thrown on plays like this (which let's be honest happen on almost every damn pass play of every game played in the NFL) maybe 50% of the time at best. It's the definition of the often used "ticky-tack" penalty.

Yesterday the officiating crew did a pretty good job I felt of keeping these calls to a bare minimum and this is the key point. The players 100% adjust throughout the game based on how the officials call the game. We all do at all levels of sports that are officiated. If you have played a full game where after a quarter you know they are being super strict on stuff like that then you know it's something you just can't do - that wasn't the case yesterday.

I just don't understand how, after officiating the game for 58 1/2 minutes one way, you decide to get ever so slightly stricter on that one play. That's simply poor officiating and the worst part is that prior to the play even happening, those officials know the implication of throwing a flag and what it means - basically game over and a season decided because of it.

You look at the AFC title game where that dude from Cinci makes that bone-headed play on Mahomes at the end. That's an example of something you can't let go. That hold? Come on now.

So to wrap it up, you have a ticky tack penalty that is really a coin flip call at best. A call you haven't been making all game that you know in that situation has HUGE implications. I'm sorry but the default there has to be no flag unless it's something so obviously egregious which that wasn't. You clearly can't mug the receiver on that play but that was the contact that was crucial factor in deciding an entire season of the National Football League? Nope.

While those are all good points, in real time the official can't think it through like that. He is watching the play and sees the defender grab the jersey. So what do you think he should do? Does he think to himself "Well, this is the SB and we have not been calling it that strictly and I don't want a questionable call to mar the outcome of the game"

No, he sees the grab and throws the flag like he is supposed to do when a penalty is committed without thinking of the ramifications. Other officials had the chance to make a case and let the infraction go but they agreed with the call. The Eagles had many opportunities to put the game away but did not. KC drove the length of the field on running plays prior to the play to get within range. Why is no one blaming the Eagles defense for not stopping a immobile QB and the KC running game.

well there is that wrote:

well there is that wrote:

Edit: (currently over 6million views)

BTW, at time stamp 4:00min, Chiefs pass on 3rd down, and JJ Schuster makes a big deal about being held when no penalty was called. The camera focuses on him, and the Philly coach after the no-call. HOWEVER, if you back it up and watch it again, you’ll see three wideouts at the bottom of the screen. Watch carefully the wideout streaking down the field; before exiting the view frame, you can see a Philly defender grabbing onto his jersey.

The grab I’m referring to is highlighted here:

Link:ibb.co/6y26sqL

It is not the best image quality, but the defender appears to grab him. I suppose, due to inconclusive image, one could argue the defender is just reaching out and puts his arm on him. So review the tape to see if you think the Jersey is being tugged.