Absolutely correct.
People have been debating the possession call, but this guy hit upon the correct point. It does not matter who has possession of the ball after the game has ended. You don't get any points for the stuff you do with the ball in the locker room. The disputed play was neither a touchback NOR a touchdown. Before that came pass interference, and that ended the game.
BUT
The problem is that pass interference calls are not reviewable in instant replay. The pass interference was not called on the field and is not reviewable, therefore the game officially continued until the end of the play. That fact cannot be changed by a replay. Possession in the end zone is reviewable, so that's what they reviewed. They determined that the visual replay evidence was not conclusive. Given that fact, the call on the field must stand.
The guy missing the pass interference call? It happens. Unfortunate, but that happens even when the real refs are around. There are only so many eyes to go around.
The review of possession being inconclusive? That one is more difficult to explain. Dozens of expert analysts have commented on that decision, and not a single one seems to agree with it. The picture below looks pretty conclusive to me.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The NFL: The Offensive Pass Interference on Golden Tate Should Have Ended the Game | Egotastic!
"The Offensive Pass Interference on Golden Tate Should Have Ended the Game"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Don't forget Sidney Rice mugging Sam Shields on a sideline pass not too much ealrier and Shields being called for interference.
ReplyDeleteAlso, a rather dubious roughing the passer on the GN interception, the Packer was already in the air when Wilson threw the ball.
I see why pass interference isn't subject to review. It's more of a judgment call than we tend to admit and it inherently leaves room for interpretation when it's enforced. Instead of producing a definitive answer, a review on such penalties (like fouls in basketball) would just muddy the waters. Over time, we'd lose our faith in the judgement and authority of the officials.
ReplyDeleteThat leads to the larger point in all of this. The officials just didn't get the call wrong (and I agree they got it wrong), they did it in a way that maximized confusion and undermined their own authority.
Gerry Austin made this point on the broadcast. He said any time two officials disagree, then the white hat has to call a huddle and make the final call - preferably before anyone gives a hand signal. That way, you at least have a definitive decision to overturn and everyone on the field knows what's at stake.
It's one thing to get a call wrong - you're right, it happens with regular refs, and not just on pass interference. It's another thing to make everyone doubt that you won't do it again, and again, and again. That erosion of confidence is the real fallout here. And it's why coaches are getting fined and players are tweeting obscenities. They no longer respect the officials.