In the wake of Monday night’s football game between the Ravens and Patriots there has been a lot of talk about the Officials in the game handing the game to the Patriots. Whenever a high emotion game is close you hear the conspiracy theorists come out spewing their “facts”, trying to prove that the NFL is as fixed as the WWE. While it would be hard to argue that not a single NFL official is on the take after all, we have seen this happen with Basketball and Baseball, it is equally unlikely that the whole officiating staff of the NFL is crooked.
So with all the complaints about the officiating during the Pats-Ravens game, I have yet to hear a convincing argument that any of the calls were really all that bad. First things first, let’s look at the 2007. The Ravens are the 4th most penalized team so far this year. Arizona leads with 108/875, then Green Bay – 95/852, Cleveland - 95/716 with the Ravens following close behind with 92/698. New England by comparison is 62/562. So the Ravens draw a lot of penalties, no arguing that. They incurred 13 in that game, which is high for them in a single game, but not out of question given the intensity and emotion of that game.
Looking at the penalties: 1. Rolle gets called for a facemask. No subjectivity there. Good Call. 2. Next play, 12 men on field. New England was in a no huddle, caught them with 12, count them up. No argument, Good Call. 3. Next play, Suggs, offsides. You can always argue offsides/false start. Looking at the play a few times, I could not find any movement on the Pats line. If they had the network would have been all over it. Good Call. 4. Sypniewski – False Start. This ends up being a partial drive killer. It was on a first down though so you are 1-15. He moved, no question though. Good Call. 5. Martin - Unnecessary Roughness. Another call that is more subjective, however it seemed warranted. That drive led to a Ravens TD so it ends up having zero effect. Good Call. 6. Ivy – Defensive Holding. Of all the penalty calls I think this is the most questionable. I am not an official but it seems consistant with how it has been called all year. This keeps the drive alive. Patriots still get 3 if the call never gets made. 7. McAlister – Pass Interference. I think this one was clear, Moss should have had it. Good call. 8. Wilcox – False Start. He moved. It was 3 and 9 on that play making it 3 and 14. Legit penalty that likely has no effect on the game. Good Call. 9. Rolle – Illegal Contact. Judgement call. I agree with the call but it is a moot point, Brady ran for the 1st down regardless so has no effect on outcome. 10. Winborne – Pass Interference. Winborne was wrapped around Watson that play, the right arm hooked around the waist. No question That is Pass Interference, without it Watson catches that ball for a TD. Good Call. 11. Scott – Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Good Call. 12. Scott – Unsportsmanlike Conduct. The subsequent pentalty for throwing the flag. Good Call. 13. Reed – Offsides. In some sort of statement, he walked across the line. Good Call.
There are 2 things not covered that Ravens fans and Pats Haters alike will argue. The Time Out that was called when the Patriots got stuffed on 4 and 1. Now, there is zero question that the Defensive coordinator called for a time out well before the start of the play. So the question is that can the defensive coordinator call a timeout. According to the rules no. However the official that granted the time out had no idea who was calling for the time out as he was focused on the players were set.
I know Ravens fans will not like this, but while the time out should not have been granted, nor should Rex Ryan have asked for it. As a Defensive Coordinator in week 13 of the 2007 season he should know better. He’s got a pipeline to the coach, so no excuse. That was poor judgment on BOTH sides. So no conspiracy there.
The other arguable call is the Gaffney touchdown. Did he have control or not. From the viewpoint of an official in another sport: The official was in the right place, looking where he should have been with an excellent view of the catch. Unfortunately his view of the ball was obscured by Gaffney. As an official you just can not predict exactly how a play will go down and there is no way to get into 100% the correct position. He has no other official to get help from, he’s got the best angle available and he has to make the call. Given those conditions and his set of eyes, I think 99.9% of anyone makes the same call. There was nothing he did wrong and from his vantage point it was the correct call. The play was even reviewed and upheld.
If it were me looking at the replay, assuming that I have the same angles and quality we have at home… I overturn the call. That being said, I am not sure that it changes anything. An incomplete pass would just mean 2nd and goal from the 4 assuming that the Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty on Scott does not happen. 3 more attempts for the Patriots and more often than not it is going to result in a TD. Add to that the Patriots burning some more time off the clock. Gotskowski was kicking with the wind and he can boot the ball so I would not expect a huge runback. So the Ravens get the ball with only 20-25 seconds, possibly less and the Hail Mary to the 2 never happens.
So now, I ask the question. What are you complaining about?
One questionable penalty that isn’t even blatantly bad? An arguable TD reception that probably gets made in the next play or two? A time out that the Ravens Defensive Coordinator should have known better than to call in the first place? The Ravens played a great game, but they let emotion get the better of them and they paid the price. Don’t blame the officials for the Ravens’ own undoing.
Hey Torch- good breakdown. I didn't get to watch the entire game, so its been hard to decipher what actually happened. Thanks for donig a play by play of the Raven penalties, though to be fair, you shoudl probably add the Pats pentalies in the post so show that the refs WEREN't on the Pats side.
~2cg
Lets start with all the illegal procedures, that the refs throughout the year dont call on the cheaten pats. the takles are one step ahead in blocking the defenders, wonder why? ask the refs and the league that!
The country has spoken already; nobody wants this team to win, why? Just ask good ole cheaten bill, and the league. The league had to cover up this conspiracy, for God sake's we cant have a conspiracy on this prestigous NFL league.
Bonds deserves and *astrick, so do the cheaten PAT's. Funny how bonds and brady are from the same high school.
I agree, great breakdown. I do know there was one blatant penalty that was not called. The final Hail Mary pass, the Ravens' receiver was all over one of the Pats' DB, and threw him to the ground prior to the ball getting there. Of course, an offensive pass interference call would have been moot because time was out, but it was a blatant one that got away.
let me break it down into smaller terms for the readers: TORCH511, good blogger, definitely one of the top posts today, deserves to be BOTD, gotta love him 'cause he's from Boston.
anyone who disagrees with Torch's mostly correct assessment of the game will get a nasty comment from me.
by the way Torch, you're wrong about the Gaffney touchdown. even on replay it was clear that he had control. no bobble = control. do you think Ravens fans would say that it was not a good catch if their own guy had caught it instead?
Yup, good breakdown. I watched the entire game and was surprised to see all the blogs following that blamed the refs. I guess I was watching a different game.
As for rgarduno above, he reminds of an email I got once that stated similarities between the assassination of JFK & Abe Lincoln, most notably that the "assassins" both had 15 letters in their name and went by three names; John Wilkes Booth & Lee Harvey Oswald. Only one problem-Oswald didn't shoot Kennedy. A minor point, of course, but a good story nonetheless. Kind of like those who are certain the Pats are destined to win and will not look at the game objectively.
I didn't get to see it all either so I appreciate the time you took to do so.
If there is another side to all of it I would like to hear it put as well and as readable as you have.
What's that ... never gonna what......... oh nevermind then...............
Thanks for the comments. I have yet to hear that rational argument.
I purposely left out the Patriots penalties. Those were all without question like the Koppen holding penalty was... holding. The Pats fans are not complaining, the Ravens fans and a good chunk of everyone else is.
As far the Gaffney TD. If I am the official on the field then I am calling TD and the hands go up. If I am looking at it on replay, in MY opinion based on what I know of the rules I am overturning and say no catch. However, I sit in meeting after meeting prior to the start of baseball season discussing the rules, and having our interpreter go through questionable rules and how we as officials should execute those rules. I know football officials at all levels do the same, so the officiating staff has a much more accurate picture on how the NFL defines control.
The most of the Ravens complaining was the REF'S calling them BOY and other stuff.The FEF'S where talking to the Raven's All night.They even showed it right at halve time the REF came up to the Ravens player and said something.
I like to know why they have all those sound finders ( those clear noise decorters collecting sound from the feild)And we don't hear nothing at all.I know bad language.But I wish that you can go to the NFL.com and pay a small fee and listen to the players,like NASCAR yoy can hear the drivers.crew cheif,spotter and NASAR officals.So it would be nice to here the game,what do you think.
What do the what the refs say (or don't say) have to do with the outcome of the game? And what exactly were the Ravens saying to the Refs?
I am sure that if indeed the Officials said anything, that it was completly without provocation. I have seen that in baseball all the time. I try to stay out of the game as much as possible, but as the innings go on if the comments keep coming, eventually you have to draw the line. Typically I wave the finger and toss the guy without saying a word. But sometimes, It is a better option to talk a little smack back. More so when you are on bases than when you are on the plate.
TORCH 11, one thing that you didn't mention was the fact that the Pats had been in the red zone twice and had to settle for field goals, and they had been stopped on a 4th and 1. You're assuming that even if it was ruled a no catch they would have scored a touchdown anyway. Maybe not.
Hey torch, love the blog. I agree that the penalties were well-called, but I still feel that New England recievers are subjected to much more physical play than receivers on other teams. Atari Bigby mugs receivers, and is called for it whole-heartedly (see Green Bay being 2nd in penalties); yet similar coverage is applied to the Patriots receivers just about every game, and there is almost never a call. Brady's INT in the Baltimore game is a perfect example--someone obviously wanted a souvenir, because one guy was trying to get Welker to sign his jersey while the other was trying to take it off of him. Still no call. Am I imagining things, or are others seeing this (I don't just mean Patriot fans, and I don't want Ravens fans telling me I'm blind)?
The outcome of the game was the 30 yard penaltie at the end of the game that didn't give the Ravens a chance to return the kick off.All night long the Ravens where having great returns on kick offs and punts,That hanged the game a lot at the end.
The Ravens are mad because they blew a game that they could have won. But they need to blame themselves, not the officials.
The Ravens lost this game because they went to a soft prevent defense at the end of the 4th quarter and they gave Brady way too much time to make some throws. If they continued to put pressure on Brady like they had for the rest of the game, they would have won.
as a ravens fan i will say that rex ryan costed us the game...but the officials didn't help. looking at the penalties i cannot justify most of the penalties...the offsides and false starts...but i can on three of them. first the rolle illegal contact (number9)on that play Moss speared rolle and you guys and argue that or not but i was at that game on 2 rows off the field and he put his head down and drove his shoulder into rolle. and the bart scott penalities...the officals were talking and it pissed him off and he was standing up for a teammate.
now the winborne call...yes it was a penality but that goes on in EVERY GAME and in EVERY RED ZONE ATTEMPT. i think it is BS that they refs call it on that play when it happend countless other times in the game.
and now the game winning catch...or non catch. i can see from where i was in the stadium and on tv when i saw replays that the ball was moving no questions asked hands down he did not have full complete possession of that ball meaning no catch. i'm not saying that they woudln't have got it into the endzone on the next play but the ravens d was playing thier hearts out i don't think they were getting in.
in the end did the ref blow the game...not well yes on the touchdown and yes on a few penalities but overall no...rex ryan did...but the refs didn't help at all with some of thier ######## fairy #### calls
Last edited by KINGPAPI on December 6th at 8:48 AM.
PackersFanGirl,
Give me a break with this "they are too rough on the Patsy recievers" stuff. When you have good receivers like the Patsys and a great QB, one way to throw off the offense is to jam the receiver off the line. This is perfectly legal and effective. You can't just let the receivers run free where ever they want. The defense is at enough of a disadvantage as it is with all the pass interference and illegal contact rules. And this IS football, remember? It's a contact sport and not for wussies.
The rules are so slanted in favor of the offense it's ubsurd. Let the defenders play.
You are not blind PackersFanGirl - BTW, I really enjoy your blog as well, and you day to day posts in the comments.
I think one of the reasons why you see a lot more physical play against the Pats recievers, and likewise why you see harly any offensive holding calls when the pats are on D, despite constant holding because officials can develop a fear looking biased.
You look at the Ravens game, you see the coverage (Ravens D trying to put on Pats Jerseys) and no call because if the official throws a flag... they are biased. They let call after call go and they STILL are acused of being biased. If the officiating crew lets them get away with it early, then they are going to get away with it all game.
Then you have what happens at the end of the game where it's close and the officials start making those types of calls and suddenly they are biased.
Again, happens all the time in baseball. Behind the plate, high school, you have a bad pitcher and you are giving an extra inch on the strike zone just to get the bat swinging. Then later in the game if it's close, you have to start calling the real zone and suddenly you are an unfair ump. It happens.
You have to get Bigby to understand that you want to have position on a reciever, not necessarily be on top of him.
You know, of all the comments I have read since this game. I for once have found Ravens fans that are accepting of the game. It was a hard fought game on both sides. I could sit and complain about how bad the Ravens were holding through the first three quarters. I too am surprised the Ref's starting calling it at the end of the game. but they were legit calls. The fans that keep reffering to the Pats and Belichek as cheats are discordent. This always occurs in the NFL with teams that are dominant over a period of time. Look at the Pats first go round in the championships. Everyone was behind them to knock off the Rams. It's the underdog theory. We all at some point hated a team "Yankees" because of how dominant they were, and blamed every outside varible we could on why they win. So now, as a fan who can feel for what the Yankees have went through for the past 10 years. It is now on us as Pats fans to endure what they have in the big apple for so long.
Kingpapi - Good perspective. On the catch... as I said, upon review I... with the limited amount of info I have on the rules, call it a no catch. Here's the thing. Take away the replay. Look at where the official is standing, see what he sees and do YOU call it differently. COULD YOU call it differently. That is my argument.
Bolts Rule - There is a difference between contact and interference. I do not have a problem with contact. There is bumping and touching going on all the time. Outside the 5, if you do it and it impedes the path of the reciever then it is defensive holding. You see it a lot with the ball in the air. I am OK with that as long as it does not infringe the recievers chance to catch the ball, like holding a arm down or in the case of one of the moss interference calls, dropping him to the ground THEN you have interference.
It is what it is, the Ravens did a lot of it, but it's nice to see a different perspective... Both of you.
Torch511, On the TD call at the end of the game. I watched the Refs boss on NFL network explain the call. His words were that because it was called a catch. In reviewing it, there is no definitive evidense to overturn. Why? Because possesion is considered never loosing control, via fingertops never leaving the ball. Negative movement would be juggling. Positive movement is the transfer. But, he also stated that if it was called a no catch and it was reviewed. It could stay as a no catch. I agree to much power in deciding games is put in the hands of the refs.
I sat and listened to all the old has beens from futures past on the analysis shows comment on how they don't let the defenses play anymore. Well, these rules were changed when they were still at QB or WR positions and you didn't hear them complaining then.
I thought the Harrison taunt was the funniest thing I have seen in a long time. The best part about it was that Bilick responded. That should dhow you as Ravens fans, he still has the fire to coach. As an ex player it says alot about him and probably brought him back to his days of playing.
I'm surprised the Baltimore fans aren't Blaming George Bush yet. I'm surprised you haven't been calling for all the coaches resignations. Ravens players blew it. I can't understand why no Balt fan is calling for them to sit them. I would be ashamed to be a fan of athletes who acted like that. It was shameless and for the ref. Anyone would say something to a bunch of childish school yard bullies when being threatened and intimidated because they can't handle being called for a penalty. It's sad to see people trying to rassionalize what those players were doing.
seeing on real speed on the replay i can say that i saw the ball moving and the the offical there could have made the call either way but upon review that play should have been overturned.
and being a ravens fan..diehard ravens fan born and raised here in baltimore...all of those ####ing about the calls need to stop. like i said most of the calls were on the ravens...false starts and offsides at home are just uncalled for...but the contact call on rolle and the bart scott calls in my opinon are plain ####. look i understand that the ravens are one of the most penalized teams and they have been for years. i'm not saying they refs handed this game to the pats but i am saying since our superbowl year the ravens seem to get away with a hellofalot less then other teams. some of our penalities mite not be penalities on other teams. thats just my take but you call look back and see that some calls overthe last few years and see that i'm rite
to all those pissing and moaning about all the contact on the pats recievers...its within 5 yards is ok...and the pats db's were doing the same thing it just the ravens are more physical and thats how they play.
Hay Torch you know a lot about the games and rules.It was this game or the last Pats game Brady bark the signal out and took a little step back and moved his hands more than usally and the defence was called off side.T thought in the John Elway Area they put a rule in because he was natural of luring the defence off side.I thought the rule was you can bark as loud as you won't but can not move or simalate(sp)the snap of the ball is that rule still in afected because they should call it on Brady most of the time and they don't.
srcsuper good call on the harrison play it was funny. his repsonse funny. how it makes harrison look...like a fool. blaming george bush i don't get it?
and getting on bart scotts case you need to get your facts straight the penalties came after the holding call when the refs (who had been talking #### all game and trying to show thier power but talking) called him and Rolle a boy. and being childish? come on man i saw tom brady start to lose his cool once or twice and hobbs was boucning up and down on his #### hitting the ground on a play throwing a hissy fit...thats #### childish
big bill, look at shines article the other day. I forget the name, I will look though. A QB can make any of those movements sounds- when in shotgun. i.e Manning, Romo, Eli, Brady--always waving hands and moving up to center then back. (hands have to be in none recieving manner) It can't be done under center unless a QB changes a position to Shotgun. (or calling out or pointing line coverage.) For a QB to be called for drawing the defense off side when in shot gun, he would have to extend his arms forward, (completely, while the body moves with it) and the ball isn't snapped. Now do you see what the Refs have to disect, all the while watching the snap, the linesman both sides, the clock.
You guys need to get your contacts checked if you think that the receivers weren't being manhandled well beyond the 5 yards allowed. I understand the rules, and if you play back the game, instead of fuming because the Patriots embarrassed your team earlier this year, you will see what I am pointing out. Or you will continue to be blinded by hatred and oblivious to what's right and wrong. Watch how the officials call a Colts game when the Colts are on offense. You look funny at a Colts receiver--penalty.
get my contacts checks. #### baby...i'm a fan of boston sports...i'm a red sox fan and believe it or not the pats my second favorte team and i am now rooting for them to go 16-0. but they were not being man handled after 5 yards...you are allowed to make small contact when your running up a field with a person it happens on EVERYSINGLE play in the nfl, its when the contact interfeers with a play when it becomes a play. and they did not embarass my me or my team...it was the best game i've ever seen in my life i am proud that the ravens gave them a run. and the colts things...is true
Wow Kingpie, Baltimore fans must have been pumped in some exoctic game feeds, because not once did I see the Refs jawing with any players. If you didn't notice it was a physical game, which the ravens were controling no doubt. But I see in every game the refs approach players to warn them about, holding a little to much, touching past the 5 yards allowed ect.. Every game. I don't know where you get I'm miss informed.. As for the George Bush, I figured he could be another scape goat since there is no argument against the refs in the last few minutes. As for any of the Pats players. Your right all players can be childish. Not all act like infants and try to start fights with the refs. I'm waiting for you guys to start calling this guy an uncle Tom or saying he's not black enough to be a ref in Baltimore.
Nice Blog..I am getting tired of the Haters grasping at straws.
What? If your Team doesnt have a shot, lets #### on the ones that do as much as we can, even if its mostly bogus BS that could only be true in your Fantasy Worlds?
Rgaduno, obviously a Cowboys fan. They are usually the first ones to cry and whine cheat. Maybe Jones should buy off some more ref's than you'll stop your whining.
they don't focus on the refs during the games unless they are making a call so you won't see that happening. the bush i get...#### dumb but ok. its not a thing for infants to start a fight its what happens when grown men that are competitive have big ego's feel like they are being ####ked over. ellis hobbs boucing up and down on his #### is childish. and the uncle tom not black enough statement is pointless...they are mad that he called him boy... im not defending his actions but i am defending him standing up for his teammate...the refs should keep thier mouth shut and officate the game. ESPN reports that the offical admitted to jawing with the players.
Like them or hate them, the Patriots have polarized the nation. Given the advances in communication (like these blogs) this time is unlike any in history. The effect. Massive ratings for the NFL in general. So Even if you hate the pats, they are vaulting the NFL in the ratings like never before. The Monday night game was the #1 rated cable broadcast... EVER.
Something to be said for that.
Just like in the WWE, you have the babyface and the heel. 2001, Pats were the Babyface, Rams the Heel. Now it is time for the Pats to play the role of the heel. In to years, no one will remember spygate, or running up the score. They will however remember the season, especially if they go all the way and take their 4th superbowl.
I am an advid Raven fan and I did watch the entire game. I, too, agree that calls do seem to be very biast in many of our games. That aside, Rex Ryan blew it! I love our team and in my heart we won that night. We out played them to the point that they were frustrated. Moss ran his mouth after the game only because he was shut down all night. OH, and Moss...you sound ridiculous saying "Coach doesn't raise us that way!"...You are a grown man...act like it! To our Raven players, you played at superbowl caliber and showed the country what we really have here in Baltimore, BUT you must not embarrass your town with those actions! Though the loss was due to many bad calls...you have to handle it with dignity. You need to close such a show with more grace! You are winners in my book. Raven31
Last edited by Raven31 on December 6th at 10:13 AM.
What I hate... speaking of officials officiating the game, is when a player motions for a flag. I think that needs to be penalty in and of itself.
Players should play, Officials should officiate. If I were an NFL official I would love to run up to Chad Johnson after he drops a pass and tell him how it's done.
Torch your explanation is a crock of junk. The officials didn't call that same penalty all night on either team till the last drive when the Pats needed some first downs to continue there drive. Your breakdown of the Ravens penalties doesn't mean anything. The Pats just didn't get there's called against them. If you watched the game and it seems you didn't then you should know the refs + the Pats = win. The Ravens got ####... BTW I'm a Saints fan who could care less who won or lost.
Roy - Ok, so point me to the play. Don't make a general statement like the refs are biased they were not calling it. Give me the time of the play so I can go back on my DVD of the game I made from my TV so I can cue it up and see WHERE the patriots are holding or interfering and it does not get called.
Broad statements like yours are just pride and bravado messing with your intellect. They mean nothing until you back them up with FACTS.
like the blind zebras or not!! i wouldnt take their jobs if i got a trillion dollars!!! your damned if you do and damned if you dont!!! in a football game recently a ball clearly hit the turf and almost bounced, they gave the reciver a catch???? the replay clearly showed it!!! but still noway on gods green earth would i takeon the job ofa ref,or ump!!!!!
Pats got called for more penalty yardage against Colts and they still pulled it off. In Indy at that. Ravens just talk trash and get all hyped up every now and then but they aren't legit, which their record reflects.
The Patriot's first superbowl of this "dynasty" came from them playing recievers of "more talented" teams the way their recievers are being played now. Without playing that way, they had no chance against the Rams. They have won a lot of their big games against statistically more talented teams that way over the years. Now I think the shoe is on the other foot, and the Patriots are the more talented team so teams are playing them more physically. I think that is why true Pats fans don't bring it up as much as the bandwagoners. I agree with all of the calls at the end of the game, but I also think you have to let them play. There are far more bs pass interference calls this year than non-calls. I am by no means an Atari Bigby fan, he reminds me of Ahmad Carrol who I still have nightmares about, but he has been the victim of some very questionable calls too.
Great blog btw. I agree with everything you said including the last TD. The ball cannot be moving at all when you are going out of bounds. That call should have been reversed, but I also think the Patriots would have scored anyway. If the Ravens want to blame someone, they should blame the coach that called the time out.
Last edited by colefort on December 6th at 11:26 AM.
Torch? More like Tool. You can't be educated because you are too damn smart. But in good ole revisionist history fashion you have massaged what you deem to be facts to shape a point of view. Way to go! So basically Pats fans agree with you and, non Pats fans don't. Here is the problem with what you are saying. Why aren't the Patriots penalized more? Some may say becuase they are so perfect as a team. But we both know that is an ignorant point of view. So one of the big problems with Pats and penalties in not necessarily the penalties that are call on them or the other team, but the penalties that aren't called on them. Another problem is how the "judgement" calls go in their favor. Here is an example I noticed from the Cowboys game that completely changed the complexion of that game. Randy Moss ran about a 20 yard in pattern just over the end zone line. Patrick Watkins the free safety stepped up and Moss ran into him and gave him the ole fore arm and knocked him over. Refs call PI on Pat Watkins NE gets the ball on the one yard line and score a TD. A drive or two later on a play that T.O. Caught a 20 yard pass to get the ball close to the red zone on, Anthony Fasano, 2nd TE, ran an out pattern about 15 yards. The safety, I think Harrison, stepped up to cut the out patter off exactly like Pat Watkins did on Moss, and Fasano ended up bumping Harrison (no he didn't give him the ole fore arm and knock him over he just bumped him). Well the refs called Offensive Pass Interference on Fasano. So what you have here is almost Identical circumstances in the same ga
I love Pats, but they could have lost this game if not Ravens mistakes. Maybe, Ravens are destined to their own destruction.
The game was tough but I never lost hope with the Patriots. I was surprised they won.
The TD was good because the catcher had control and two feet inside. I have seen NFL called TD because only part of the body of the receiver with the ball crossed (broke the plain) line but not the ball.
KDXR - OK, great example. Been a while since the Dallas game, but Sunday I am going to fire up my DVD of the game and take a look at those plays. I should be able to track them down easily enough and I thank you for at least attempting to present an intellegent case. I know of the examples but I need to watch them again. But again, thank you.
Not trying to write revisionist history. I just did not see in the Ravens game, the Pats making those calls. A bulk of the calls were spot on, and there was not much subject (aside from the Gaffney TD which as I said, I overturn) to debate that went the Pats way.
And kellyscott I LOVE umping baseball. Every game half the players and spectators go home hating my guts, but I try to be as educated as I can, do my job as good as I can and make the best calls I can without bias. Does it always happen, no of course not but I learn from the mistakes and try better next time. Tough job but I enjoy being out there so much.
Great explanation, maybe you should take over for Whitlock or Schein. You know your stuff. I am still not sure why everyone hates the Patriots. They don't have egos like alot of the other teams, even Moss is quiet. The Pats need a better running game, better defense and better protection against the blitz, then maybe they can be the greatest team
Good explanation of all the calls. Two things I would like to add. 1) Brady was being stuffed? He commented that he heard the whistle and stopped. Therefore, he may have made it in. We'll never know now. 2) That "hail mary" towards the end zone by the Ravens would not have been a catch. It would have been overturned. One of the defenders was "all over" Assante Samuel who was in the best position to catch the throw. Once he was taken away, the ball was caught by a Raven. In the end it did not matter as the time had run out, that is why the officials did not call it. Otherwise, no other choice but to overturn. Automatic review and no catch.
35 year old Bostonian and long time Boston sports fan.
Served 9 years in the US Army as an Airborne Pathfinder. Currently employed as a Graphic Artist for a medium sized specialty printing company.
MBUA Baseball Umpire and also a Little League coach. Besides being obsessed with Football and Baseball, I am a fanatical NASCAR and PBR fan. For some reason I also find Curling absolutly fascinating.
