*** Complain about the officials thread *** (1 Viewer)

[Fla\/\/ed]

Does anyone know if the ref is actually saying that the ball crossed the goal line or was the ruling simply that there was a lack of incontrovertible evidence to overturn the call on the field?

If it is the latter, perhaps the league should look at the replay rules when a potential touchdown is involved. Regardless of whether or not it was called a TD on the field, perhaps the rule should require definitive evidence that the ball did cross the goal line if the play is challenged. In other words if an extremely close play is called a touchdown on the field then a video replay challenge that doesn't provide definitive evidence one way or the other should result in no touchdown. If many different slow motion replays from several different angles don't show the ball crossing the line why should the touchdown stand just because the ref guessed it crossed the line under extremely difficult real-time circumstances.

Call was "incontrovertible proof to overrule the ruling on the field."Also, important to note that Roth's own admission was that he didn't score (which he admitted on Letterman last night).

Ben's "admission" was that he didn't think he had scored at the time. Replay shows clearly that the ball broke the plane while he was in the air. There really is no controversy here.As to the PI and the holding calls, one of the local sports guys read the rules as the replays of the plays in question were shown. By the rules, both were the correct calls. Jackson pushed off, Locklear held. Are they always called? No. Were they penalties, according to the rules? Absolutely.

That is what everyone is mad about, not that they were not penalties, but that they were called....a penalties is a penalty, and when you do it RIGHT IN FRONT OF A REF, it is going to get called.

SCOREBOARD

 

[Sheriff66]

Does anyone know if the ref is actually saying that the ball crossed the goal line or was the ruling simply that there was a lack of incontrovertible evidence to overturn the call on the field?

If it is the latter, perhaps the league should look at the replay rules when a potential touchdown is involved. Regardless of whether or not it was called a TD on the field, perhaps the rule should require definitive evidence that the ball did cross the goal line if the play is challenged. In other words if an extremely close play is called a touchdown on the field then a video replay challenge that doesn't provide definitive evidence one way or the other should result in no touchdown. If many different slow motion replays from several different angles don't show the ball crossing the line why should the touchdown stand just because the ref guessed it crossed the line under extremely difficult real-time circumstances.

Call was "incontrovertible proof to overrule the ruling on the field."Also, important to note that Roth's own admission was that he didn't score (which he admitted on Letterman last night).

Ben's "admission" was that he didn't think he had scored at the time. Replay shows clearly that the ball broke the plane while he was in the air. There really is no controversy here.As to the PI and the holding calls, one of the local sports guys read the rules as the replays of the plays in question were shown. By the rules, both were the correct calls. Jackson pushed off, Locklear held. Are they always called? No. Were they penalties, according to the rules? Absolutely.

That is what everyone is mad about, not that they were not penalties, but that they were called....a penalties is a penalty, and when you do it RIGHT IN FRONT OF A REF, it is going to get called.

SCOREBOARD

Truth hurts...

 

[PsychoMan]

The Pittsburgh fans want to call us Seahawk fans whiny little babies but if these calls would have been called on their team do we really think they would have been quiet on these message boards and proclaimed the Seahawks as the better team? I think not.

Good posting. I agree wholeheartedly with this comment and I don't think a single Pitt fan could refute it.

I totally agree with this...but you have to add in all Seattle / Steeler-haters would be saying "Stop Whining". It's a vicious cycle darling.... LOL.

Yes, you also have a good point - I'm sure we would hear both.Congratulations to the Stillers organization and their fans. An awesome season for you and lots of promise in your future with BIG BEN & company!

 

[Stillers Jr.]

The Pittsburgh fans want to call us Seahawk fans whiny little babies but if these calls would have been called on their team do we really think they would have been quiet on these message boards and proclaimed the Seahawks as the better team? I think not.

Good posting. I agree wholeheartedly with this comment and I don't think a single Pitt fan could refute it.

I totally agree with this...but you have to add in all Seattle / Steeler-haters would be saying "Stop Whining". It's a vicious cycle darling.... LOL.

Yes, you also have a good point - I'm sure we would hear both.Congratulations to the Stillers organization and their fans. An awesome season for you and lots of promise in your future with BIG BEN & company!

Gracias muchacho!

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

Does anyone know if the ref is actually saying that the ball crossed the goal line or was the ruling simply that there was a lack of incontrovertible evidence to overturn the call on the field?

If it is the latter, perhaps the league should look at the replay rules when a potential touchdown is involved. Regardless of whether or not it was called a TD on the field, perhaps the rule should require definitive evidence that the ball did cross the goal line if the play is challenged. In other words if an extremely close play is called a touchdown on the field then a video replay challenge that doesn't provide definitive evidence one way or the other should result in no touchdown. If many different slow motion replays from several different angles don't show the ball crossing the line why should the touchdown stand just because the ref guessed it crossed the line under extremely difficult real-time circumstances.

Call was "incontrovertible proof to overrule the ruling on the field."Also, important to note that Roth's own admission was that he didn't score (which he admitted on Letterman last night).

Ben's "admission" was that he didn't think he had scored at the time. Replay shows clearly that the ball broke the plane while he was in the air. There really is no controversy here.As to the PI and the holding calls, one of the local sports guys read the rules as the replays of the plays in question were shown. By the rules, both were the correct calls. Jackson pushed off, Locklear held. Are they always called? No. Were they penalties, according to the rules? Absolutely.

That is what everyone is mad about, not that they were not penalties, but that they were called....a penalties is a penalty, and when you do it RIGHT IN FRONT OF A REF, it is going to get called.

SCOREBOARD

Truth hurts...

No, it is just sad to watch classless Steeler fans trying to refute the poor officiating that took place on Sunday.

 

[The Jerk]

The officials sucked and the NFL needs to re-evaluate things after a majority of media, fans, and even third party non-sports people called the officiating into question.

It's hard to say that the majority of the media and fans think one way or another on this or any issue. Yes, I've seen the Internet poll results and I've seen multiple media sources complaining about the officials. However, even scientifically-based polls do not always gauge the true feelings of the country. We've seen this borne out countless times in Senator, Governor and Presidential elections. It's also human nature for people who feel wronged to seek outlets to complain, and an Internet poll is one such means to that end.The media loves a controversy, and there is no doubt I've seen more articles than normal focusing directly or partly on the officiating in the Super Bowl. But the "majority" is a big statement. For every Michael Smith, there is a Keith Olbermann and a Gene Wojciechowski. To borrow from Olbermann's quote yesterday, even though the game has been over for two and a half days, the officiating keeps getting worse every hour.

In the end, it all depends on what you mean by "called the officiating into question" in your post. That's a term that can mean very different things to different people.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

The officials sucked and the NFL needs to re-evaluate things after a majority of media, fans, and even third party non-sports people called the officiating into question.

It's hard to say that the majority of the media and fans think one way or another on this.

No it isn't. If you have read, listened or watched any coverage of the Super Bowl you would know the answer on this. Even some classy Steeler fans have acknowledged this.

 

[BlueOnion]

Steelers fans still whining because their Super Bowl win is tarnished? As a Viking fan I wouldn't care if the Vikings won or if the referees awarding the Vikings the game simply by winning the coin toss.

 

[Sheriff66]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....

Get over it....

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....

Get over it....

This is an example of why Steeler fans are betting bashed.

 

[Keys Myaths]

These threads suck.

Both sides need to just move on with their lives. It's a freakin' football game. Seriously.

The ONLY way this would be the huge deal you guys are making it out to be is if the refs actually *fixed* the game...which would NEVER happen.

Why do you guys insist on running each other into the ground over and over again...and then again and again...over something you won't be able to change, and something, which in the long run...*doesn't matter at all*?

 

[BlueOnion]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally.

This was not a NFL mandated public appearance. This was not a press release or press conference. This was not a message to the NFL, to the national NFL media or to Nation-wide NFL fans.

To me this was a private conference for those in Washington State and is no more out of line than anything Cowher may have said in a locker room to his team after the Colts game (in regards to officials).

 

[BlueOnion]

These threads suck.

Both sides need to just move on with their lives. It's a freakin' football game. Seriously.

The ONLY way this would be the huge deal you guys are making it out to be is if the refs actually *fixed* the game...which would NEVER happen.

Why do you guys insist on running each other into the ground over and over again...and then again and again...over something you won't be able to change, and something, which in the long run...*doesn't matter at all*?

In large part, what else can we really talk about here in the NFL forum? The season is over.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I'm no Keith Olbermann fan, but I thought he had an interesting observation just now on the Dan Patrick Show. More to the point, I agreed with him. He said something to the effect that the game's been over since Sunday night, but the officiating keeps getting worse and worse with every hour that goes by.

The media is running with the story, and why not? It's a sexy story, it allows them to appear to be at odds with the NFL establishment, and best of all, it's bringing them ratings because people are passionate about it. Besides, no one roots for the refs. They're an easy target.

Bingo, we now have a public agenda with is great for ratings.

Olbermann is dead-on here, IMO. I watched the game with a bunch of Seattle fans at a bar and not one of them complained about the officiating during the game.

I'd be willing to bet now that half of them (at least) are complaining to people that they got jobbed.

Dude, you're killing me! No way did "NOT ONE" of them (Seattle fans at a bar) complain about a call in that game. NOT A CHANCE.

Okay, unless they were:

A. Fearful of getting their asses kicked in Pittsburgh

B. They were an AYSO girls soccer team

This was in Orlando, not Pittsburgh, and the male Seattle fans in the area I was sitting (outside pavillion) outnumbered Steeler fans by about 3/2. There was no fear involved.It's amazing that you can be so clairvoyant as to tell me what the reaction of Seahawk fans 3,000 miles away was, but I assure you, I was sitting there, and no one was griping about bad officiating. Maybe they just recognized that despite a couple of calls that did not go their way, they still had plenty of opportunities to win.

Okay, you guys got me, I guess there really wasn't going to be a fight; and there wasn't a real live AYSO girls soccer team at the bar.

Did my post suggest somehow that I was taking you literally?Point was, they weren't holding in their displeasure with the officials for any reason - they obviously just didn't feel it was right to complain about it.

Oh man, are you cracking me up. So you knew what the Seattle fans in the bar were thinking on Sunday. That is SO sweet! Remember, you also claimed that half of them are complaining now...talk about clairvoyance.

I was talking to them the whole game and they never said boo about the officiating, despite being very vocal. Don't have to be clairvoyant to make that deduction.As far as them complaining now, I didn't say I knew that for a fact, I said I'd bet that they are.

I don't believe that for a minute. No way a bunch of Seattle fans watched that game and never said a word. NOT A CHANCE.

Believe what you like.

 

[Keys Myaths]

These threads suck.

Both sides need to just move on with their lives. It's a freakin' football game. Seriously.

The ONLY way this would be the huge deal you guys are making it out to be is if the refs actually *fixed* the game...which would NEVER happen.

Why do you guys insist on running each other into the ground over and over again...and then again and again...over something you won't be able to change, and something, which in the long run...*doesn't matter at all*?

In large part, what else can we really talk about here in the NFL forum? The season is over.

Talk about the refs. That's not the problem.The problem to me is the personal attack in *every* post.

 

[3C's]

These threads suck.

Both sides need to just move on with their lives. It's a freakin' football game. Seriously.

The ONLY way this would be the huge deal you guys are making it out to be is if the refs actually *fixed* the game...which would NEVER happen.

Why do you guys insist on running each other into the ground over and over again...and then again and again...over something you won't be able to change, and something, which in the long run...*doesn't matter at all*?

In large part, what else can we really talk about here in the NFL forum? The season is over.

Talk about the refs. That's not the problem.The problem to me is the personal attack in *every* post.

There are not personal attacks in every post stupid.

 

[jurb26]

If the ONE D-Jax touchdown that was called back for the interference call WAS a touchdown, they would have been down 21-14. The entire end of the game would have been played differently knowing they were down by one score and not two.

Exactly. And let us not forget the refs allowing Pittsburgh to call a timeout after the play clock had hit zero. They converted a third down on the next play.

Yes, that pentalty did take away a TD. So why don't you direct you're hissy fit towards the guilty party, DJax. He DID push off and it WAS a pentalty. I agree that their where questionable calls in this game, but this was not one of them.

If you have a copy of the game anywhere (VHS, Tivo, etc.), please go watch the replay of Ward's catch at the 2 and try and tell me his hand-checking was any less blatant than what Jackson's was. What Jackson did was technically a penalty, yes. So was what Ward did not. That is the difference. Seattle was hit with a tick-tacky foul. Pittsburgh was not.

I wont lie, I have not watched the replays of what Ward did or did not do on that play down field in great detail. I was amazed by the play Ben made too much to really concentrate on it. I do have the game tapped though, so when I get time I will watch it all over again. From you're explanation though, I don't see how these things are the same. Hand-checking is a great bit different from straight arming and pushing off and initiating contact a 2nd time after seperation has already been created. You also agree that what DJax did was illegal. For some reason he should not be called for it though. How many times now have we had to hear this. The Ref was standing RIGHT THERE! Do you really think that he was supposed to see this happen, 5 ft away from him and not throw a flag? Do you realize how absurd that sounds? Again, I did not see Wards downfield actions in great detail and I will observe them again when I have time. Is it possible though that even if there was some hand-checking or some pushing going on that the ref was simply NOT IN POSITION to see it like he was for the DJax one? I mean we are talking about a totally differnet animal here as far as the type of play. One was in a condenced field and also at a position of the field that a Ref will always be in position to see, the endline. The other was a broken scramble play that was 37 yds down field and opposite of the playside action. As I have said before, players get caught sometimes others don't. Those are the breaks. DJax got caught. Why do people seem intent on castrating an official for making the right call when it was obvious that he could not have missed it?I saw calls missed on both teams. Sea got aways with some holds that I thought could have been called as well as a legit block in the back on one of Warricks returns. Pitt got away with some holds and possibly a few guys lining up offsides (NZ infractions that seemed iffy or a bit too close for comfort). There was another possible block in the back that could have been called on Bens horrible Int by Sea during the return. There was also a possible horsecollar tackle that could have been called on Pitt. There was the missed fumble that would have benifited Pitt but an early whislte stopped play early. It seems like most people are manufacturing a lot of things to complain about here. You say that the officials called some ticky tacky things vs. Sea. Well, do you realize how ticky tacky a lot of you actually sound?

OK, I went back and watched the Ward catch last night. All I can say is that I think you've lost your mind.

 

[kupcho1]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally.

This was not a NFL mandated public appearance. This was not a press release or press conference. This was not a message to the NFL, to the national NFL media or to Nation-wide NFL fans.

To me this was a private conference for those in Washington State and is no more out of line than anything Cowher may have said in a locker room to his team after the Colts game (in regards to officials).

And this matters how?I think Mike will be getting an invoice for a fine shortly for what was in fact a very clear message to the NFL in general, and the officials in particular.

 

[Keys Myaths]

These threads suck.

Both sides need to just move on with their lives. It's a freakin' football game. Seriously.

The ONLY way this would be the huge deal you guys are making it out to be is if the refs actually *fixed* the game...which would NEVER happen.

Why do you guys insist on running each other into the ground over and over again...and then again and again...over something you won't be able to change, and something, which in the long run...*doesn't matter at all*?

In large part, what else can we really talk about here in the NFL forum? The season is over.

Talk about the refs. That's not the problem.The problem to me is the personal attack in *every* post.

There are not personal attacks in every post stupid.

 

[kupcho1]

Steelers fans still whining because their Super Bowl win is tarnished?

at "tarnished"I'm beginning to realize that there may never be another Super Bowl champion that does not get a crapload of post-game sniping be it ridiculous nonsense like "tarnished" or fan bashing (e.g., whiny tools). Product of the times, I guess.

 

[DoctorDetroit]

The officials sucked and the NFL needs to re-evaluate things after a majority of media, fans, and even third party non-sports people called the officiating into question.

It's hard to say that the majority of the media and fans think one way or another on this.

No it isn't. If you have read, listened or watched any coverage of the Super Bowl you would know the answer on this. Even some classy Steeler fans have acknowledged this.

So many people in so many mediums in so many markets have called the officiating into question. My point scientific or not is tangible and relevant to the game of football as a whole because despite the inaccuracy of polls as you discussed, when people from so many backgrounds and philosophies go on about this it is important as a point of conversation. However at this point I think enough has been said to where the NFL will make some changes so we won't continue to see this decline in game officiating. This is a problem we have discussed all year here from regular season debacles, to divisional playoff bloopers, to the Super Bowl. As a FOOTBALL FAN, I just think the game took three steps back this year and it takes the game away from the players on the field and consequently, from everyone else fan or foe.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I don't believe that for a minute.  No way a bunch of Seattle fans watched that game and never said a word.  NOT A CHANCE.

I was watching the game. I didn't ##### about the officiating until I saw replays of how bad some of the calls were - with the only exception being the Roeth "TD."

You are 1 person. He was at a bar where he said he was outnumbered 3/2 by Sewhawk fans. Sorry, but HUGE difference. And before I go on, think about that a minute. There was not a bar in the nation that had that many Seattle fans, and likely drinking, that sat quietly and watched that crap for three hours, NEVER saying a word.

NO F'ING WAY.

Umm. . .I was sitting 15 rows from the field in the Seahawks player seats. I wasn't the only Seahawks fan around. The general consensus was that we didn't know if they were bad calls or not except the Roeth "TD" and there wasn't a lot of #####ing going on, mostly just screaming every time Pitt had the ball.

I was talking about Evilgrin73, at the BAR.

Let it go, man. I was at the bar in question. They didn't complain. Proninja is saying he was at the game and folks weren't complaining there either. Maybe not everyone is so quick to gripe - they likely realized that penalties are a part of the game and that you have to get past it and make plays anyway. Perhaps you can learn from this.

Thanks for making me a year younger too (Evilgrin73) -

 

[DoctorDetroit]

Steelers fans still whining because their Super Bowl win is tarnished? As a Viking fan I wouldn't care if the Vikings won or if the referees awarding the Vikings the game simply by winning the coin toss.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

The officials sucked and the NFL needs to re-evaluate things after a majority of media, fans, and even third party non-sports people called the officiating into question.

It's hard to say that the majority of the media and fans think one way or another on this.

No it isn't. If you have read, listened or watched any coverage of the Super Bowl you would know the answer on this. Even some classy Steeler fans have acknowledged this.

As a FOOTBALL FAN, I just think the game took three steps back this year and it takes the game away from the players on the field and consequently, from everyone else fan or foe.

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

 

[3C's]

Seriously, I don't think there've been a lot of personal attacks. Just the typical "whiner" comments, a few classless barbs being thrown out. It's easy to get sucked into that crap, but I've tried to stay out. Maybe I haven't been entirely successful at it.

 

[Sheriff66]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....            

Get over it....

This is an example of why Steeler fans are betting bashed.

Answer me this a honestly as you can...1. Did D Jax push off ? Be honest..

2. Did Haggans shoulder get turned by Locklear reaching out, slowing Haggans progress ? Be honest...

 

[kupcho1]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....            

Get over it....

This is an example of why Steeler fans are betting bashed.

Answer me this a honestly as you can...1. Did D Jax push off ? Be honest..

2. Did Haggans shoulder get turned by Locklear reaching out, slowing Haggans progress ? Be honest...

Let it go, man, let it go. At this point people are just ####### with you.

 

[Sheriff66]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally.

This was not a NFL mandated public appearance. This was not a press release or press conference. This was not a message to the NFL, to the national NFL media or to Nation-wide NFL fans.

To me this was a private conference for those in Washington State and is no more out of line than anything Cowher may have said in a locker room to his team after the Colts game (in regards to officials).

I bet the NFL see that MUCH differently, and when did Cowher complain about the refs again ???? He didn't bash the refs one bit, and they almost cost us the Colts game, but we won IN SPITE of it.

 

[3C's]

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

35K/yr is not bad coin for a side job. I'd take it. But what advantage would be gained by younger, full time officials? Younger gets you what? A guy that doesn't get winded as easily? Does he run faster? I'm 42 and can outrun plenty of younger guys. Likewise, plenty of older guys can outrun me. Adn what does a full time official do with the other 36 hours he's not officiating a game.

I'm all for improving officiating, but I don't think that is necessarily the answer.

 

[DoctorDetroit]

I don't believe that for a minute.  No way a bunch of Seattle fans watched that game and never said a word.  NOT A CHANCE.

I was watching the game. I didn't ##### about the officiating until I saw replays of how bad some of the calls were - with the only exception being the Roeth "TD."

You are 1 person. He was at a bar where he said he was outnumbered 3/2 by Sewhawk fans. Sorry, but HUGE difference. And before I go on, think about that a minute. There was not a bar in the nation that had that many Seattle fans, and likely drinking, that sat quietly and watched that crap for three hours, NEVER saying a word.

NO F'ING WAY.

Umm. . .I was sitting 15 rows from the field in the Seahawks player seats. I wasn't the only Seahawks fan around. The general consensus was that we didn't know if they were bad calls or not except the Roeth "TD" and there wasn't a lot of #####ing going on, mostly just screaming every time Pitt had the ball.

I was talking about Evilgrin73, at the BAR.

Let it go, man. I was at the bar in question. They didn't complain. Maybe not everyone is so quick to gripe - they likely realized that penalties are a part of the game and that you have to get past it and make plays anyway. Perhaps you can learn from this.

Thanks for making me a year younger too (Evilgrin73) -

I was complaining I couldn't complain because they wouldn't show replays on the big screen! I wanted to see the Ward TD again to see how that broke down and they never showed it. To me it was better being at the game because I would have been three times as pissed at the calls watching it from a bar and it would have been counterproductive in the end. At Ford Field I saw one of the strangest football games I have ever seen where my team had opportunities to take charge in the game, and it failed to happen. Sure I'm not happy with the calls but I'm not pleased with Stevens, Holmgren's play calling, or the teams clock management either. Seattle didn't win for a number of reasons and Pittsburgh did because they capitalized on the situation and made things happen when their time came. Championship teams do that.

 

[Sheriff66]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....            

Get over it....

This is an example of why Steeler fans are betting bashed.

Answer me this a honestly as you can...1. Did D Jax push off ? Be honest..

2. Did Haggans shoulder get turned by Locklear reaching out, slowing Haggans progress ? Be honest...

Let it go, man, let it go. At this point people are just ####### with you.

I'm done, we won the game, one for the thumb, WORLD CHAMPS. Just tired of all the

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....            

Get over it....

This is an example of why Steeler fans are betting bashed.

Answer me this a honestly as you can...1. Did D Jax push off ? Be honest..

2. Did Haggans shoulder get turned by Locklear reaching out, slowing Haggans progress ? Be honest...

Why can't some of you Steeler fans let this go? Why do you feel the need to try and defend the poor officiating that took place on Sunday?It would be nice to see more Steeler fans saying something like...

"True the officiating wasn't that good on Sunday and it affecting the game. However, the Steelers made some big plays and won the game."

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

35K/yr is not bad coin for a side job. I'd take it. But what advantage would be gained by younger, full time officials? Younger gets you what? A guy that doesn't get winded as easily? Does he run faster? I'm 42 and can outrun plenty of younger guys. Likewise, plenty of older guys can outrun me. Adn what does a full time official do with the other 36 hours he's not officiating a game.

I'm all for improving officiating, but I don't think that is necessarily the answer.

I'm not surprised that you don't see how younger, full time officials would help.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

After the botched call on the Polamalu INT in the Indianapolis game, the league, as it does when officiating mistakes are made, stepped up and admitted it was the wrong call. This happens all the time. I recall back in the 2000 season, the NFL issued apologies to the Steelers 3 times in one season for blown calls made by officials which cost them games. I'm sure Steeler fans remember this. Did they award the Steelers those 3 wins, which would have put them in the playoffs? No. Officiating, flawed as it sometimes is, is a part of the game.

The NFL has now had time to review all the controversial plays in question and admit a mistake, if one were made. The NFL has publicly come out and stated that they stand behind all of the calls made in this game. Now, some will say it's because the league doesn't want to have egg on its face after their biggest game, but that's garbage. They had no problem admitting mistakes in the playoff games, and they've had no problem in the past admitting that games were won or lost on bad calls. After reviewing the plays, the league simply did not see what some folks here are seeing. They stand behind the referees and the calls that were made.

As far as I am concerned, there's really nothing more to be said. It's over. I personally think there was one bad call and a couple others that were judgment calls, but that's no different than any other game. The Steelers made more big plays than Seattle, and won the game. That's it.

I'm done discussing the officiating in this game forever. Thank you, Keys, for showing me the error of my ways. There are going to be folks that are never going to let this die. That's their problem, not mine. Put all the asterisks you want next to this win in your minds, for that is the only place they will exist.

Seattle fans, 95% of the time, have been gracious in defeat and not the ones making excuses. I have nothing but respect for the Seahawks and their fans - I hope you guys get back to the Super Bowl next year and we can do it again.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....            

Get over it....

This is an example of why Steeler fans are betting bashed.

Answer me this a honestly as you can...1. Did D Jax push off ? Be honest..

2. Did Haggans shoulder get turned by Locklear reaching out, slowing Haggans progress ? Be honest...

Why can't some of you Steeler fans let this go? Why do you feel the need to try and defend the poor officiating that took place on Sunday?It would be nice to see more Steeler fans saying something like...

"True the officiating wasn't that good on Sunday and it affecting the game. However, the Steelers made some big plays and won the game."

Just for the record, I have been saying this for 3 days now.

 

[The Jerk]

The officials sucked and the NFL needs to re-evaluate things after a majority of media, fans, and even third party non-sports people called the officiating into question.

It's hard to say that the majority of the media and fans think one way or another on this.

No it isn't. If you have read, listened or watched any coverage of the Super Bowl you would know the answer on this. Even some classy Steeler fans have acknowledged this.

As a FOOTBALL FAN, I just think the game took three steps back this year and it takes the game away from the players on the field and consequently, from everyone else fan or foe.

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

My point is that it's easy to throw around words like majority but that doesn't make it so. "Called into question" is a very vague term. And I appreciate being called classy because I've pointed out some questionable aspects to the officiating. I think one of the biggest problems with the crew on Sunday was that they were an all-star bunch who as far as I knew have never worked together. At the very least, the league could go with the best overall crew and not bring in one guy from seven different crews (or maybe two came from one crew, I don't know).

 

[3C's]

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

35K/yr is not bad coin for a side job. I'd take it. But what advantage would be gained by younger, full time officials? Younger gets you what? A guy that doesn't get winded as easily? Does he run faster? I'm 42 and can outrun plenty of younger guys. Likewise, plenty of older guys can outrun me. Adn what does a full time official do with the other 36 hours he's not officiating a game.

I'm all for improving officiating, but I don't think that is necessarily the answer.

I'm not surprised that you don't see how younger, full time officials would help.

And I'm not surprised that you can't hold a cogent conversation.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

35K/yr is not bad coin for a side job. I'd take it. But what advantage would be gained by younger, full time officials? Younger gets you what? A guy that doesn't get winded as easily? Does he run faster? I'm 42 and can outrun plenty of younger guys. Likewise, plenty of older guys can outrun me. Adn what does a full time official do with the other 36 hours he's not officiating a game.

I'm all for improving officiating, but I don't think that is necessarily the answer.

I'm not surprised that you don't see how younger, full time officials would help.

And I'm not surprised that you can't hold a cogent conversation.

Why should I try and show you why younger, full time officials would help when your response focused on "how fast they can run".

 

[3C's]

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

35K/yr is not bad coin for a side job. I'd take it. But what advantage would be gained by younger, full time officials? Younger gets you what? A guy that doesn't get winded as easily? Does he run faster? I'm 42 and can outrun plenty of younger guys. Likewise, plenty of older guys can outrun me. Adn what does a full time official do with the other 36 hours he's not officiating a game.

I'm all for improving officiating, but I don't think that is necessarily the answer.

I'm not surprised that you don't see how younger, full time officials would help.

And I'm not surprised that you can't hold a cogent conversation.

Why should I try and show you why younger, full time officials would help when your response focused on "how fast they can run".

Why should you try? Because you brought it up. I'm asking how younger officials would make a difference. Can you provide an answer without being an ###?

 

[Sheriff66]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....            

Get over it....

This is an example of why Steeler fans are betting bashed.

Answer me this a honestly as you can...1. Did D Jax push off ? Be honest..

2. Did Haggans shoulder get turned by Locklear reaching out, slowing Haggans progress ? Be honest...

Why can't some of you Steeler fans let this go? Why do you feel the need to try and defend the poor officiating that took place on Sunday?It would be nice to see more Steeler fans saying something like...

"True the officiating wasn't that good on Sunday and it affecting the game. However, the Steelers made some big plays and won the game."

Just for the record, I have been saying this for 3 days now.

I have never stated the officiating in the NFL has not been poor, I just don't agree that the plays you are talking about were bad calls.

 

[Fla\/\/ed]

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

35K/yr is not bad coin for a side job. I'd take it. But what advantage would be gained by younger, full time officials? Younger gets you what? A guy that doesn't get winded as easily? Does he run faster? I'm 42 and can outrun plenty of younger guys. Likewise, plenty of older guys can outrun me. Adn what does a full time official do with the other 36 hours he's not officiating a game.

I'm all for improving officiating, but I don't think that is necessarily the answer.

I'm not surprised that you don't see how younger, full time officials would help.

And I'm not surprised that you can't hold a cogent conversation.

Why should I try and show you why younger, full time officials would help when your response focused on "how fast they can run".

Why should you try? Because you brought it up. I'm asking how younger officials would make a difference. Can you provide an answer without being an ###?

 

[3C's]

I agree but maybe this will finally be what the NFL needed to realize they need to have YOUNGER, full-time officials that are paid more than $35,000 a year.

35K/yr is not bad coin for a side job. I'd take it. But what advantage would be gained by younger, full time officials? Younger gets you what? A guy that doesn't get winded as easily? Does he run faster? I'm 42 and can outrun plenty of younger guys. Likewise, plenty of older guys can outrun me. Adn what does a full time official do with the other 36 hours he's not officiating a game.

I'm all for improving officiating, but I don't think that is necessarily the answer.

I'm not surprised that you don't see how younger, full time officials would help.

And I'm not surprised that you can't hold a cogent conversation.

Why should I try and show you why younger, full time officials would help when your response focused on "how fast they can run".

Why should you try? Because you brought it up. I'm asking how younger officials would make a difference. Can you provide an answer without being an ###?

 

[jurb26]

 

[Sheriff66]

 

[Ghost Rider]

If the ONE D-Jax touchdown that was called back for the interference call WAS a touchdown, they would have been down 21-14. The entire end of the game would have been played differently knowing they were down by one score and not two.

Exactly. And let us not forget the refs allowing Pittsburgh to call a timeout after the play clock had hit zero. They converted a third down on the next play.

Yes, that pentalty did take away a TD. So why don't you direct you're hissy fit towards the guilty party, DJax. He DID push off and it WAS a pentalty. I agree that their where questionable calls in this game, but this was not one of them.

If you have a copy of the game anywhere (VHS, Tivo, etc.), please go watch the replay of Ward's catch at the 2 and try and tell me his hand-checking was any less blatant than what Jackson's was. What Jackson did was technically a penalty, yes. So was what Ward did not. That is the difference. Seattle was hit with a tick-tacky foul. Pittsburgh was not.

I wont lie, I have not watched the replays of what Ward did or did not do on that play down field in great detail. I was amazed by the play Ben made too much to really concentrate on it. I do have the game tapped though, so when I get time I will watch it all over again. From you're explanation though, I don't see how these things are the same. Hand-checking is a great bit different from straight arming and pushing off and initiating contact a 2nd time after seperation has already been created. You also agree that what DJax did was illegal. For some reason he should not be called for it though. How many times now have we had to hear this. The Ref was standing RIGHT THERE! Do you really think that he was supposed to see this happen, 5 ft away from him and not throw a flag? Do you realize how absurd that sounds? Again, I did not see Wards downfield actions in great detail and I will observe them again when I have time. Is it possible though that even if there was some hand-checking or some pushing going on that the ref was simply NOT IN POSITION to see it like he was for the DJax one? I mean we are talking about a totally differnet animal here as far as the type of play. One was in a condenced field and also at a position of the field that a Ref will always be in position to see, the endline. The other was a broken scramble play that was 37 yds down field and opposite of the playside action. As I have said before, players get caught sometimes others don't. Those are the breaks. DJax got caught. Why do people seem intent on castrating an official for making the right call when it was obvious that he could not have missed it?I saw calls missed on both teams. Sea got aways with some holds that I thought could have been called as well as a legit block in the back on one of Warricks returns. Pitt got away with some holds and possibly a few guys lining up offsides (NZ infractions that seemed iffy or a bit too close for comfort). There was another possible block in the back that could have been called on Bens horrible Int by Sea during the return. There was also a possible horsecollar tackle that could have been called on Pitt. There was the missed fumble that would have benifited Pitt but an early whislte stopped play early. It seems like most people are manufacturing a lot of things to complain about here. You say that the officials called some ticky tacky things vs. Sea. Well, do you realize how ticky tacky a lot of you actually sound?

OK, I went back and watched the Ward catch last night. All I can say is that I think you've lost your mind.

Heh...I went back and watched it again as well and I think I lost my mind, too! I must have been remembering a different play because Ward didn't do anything wrong on that catch we were talking about yesterday. I am not wrong often , but when I am, I can admit, which is a rarity in the Shark Pool.

The NFL has now had time to review all the controversial plays in question and admit a mistake, if one were made. The NFL has publicly come out and stated that they stand behind all of the calls made in this game. Now, some will say it's because the league doesn't want to have egg on its face after their biggest game, but that's garbage. They had no problem admitting mistakes in the playoff games, and they've had no problem in the past admitting that games were won or lost on bad calls. After reviewing the plays, the league simply did not see what some folks here are seeing. They stand behind the referees and the calls that were made.

I would bet my bottom dollar that those refs are getting chastised for their job in the Super Bowl, but the NFL is still going to support them publicly. I am with you, though. I am done arguing over the calls in Sunday's game, too.

 

[brettdj]

For EG72, vidcaps of the block in the back on Ben.

Pic1

Pic2

Pic 1 shows initial contact is in the shoulder, not the back.

Block in the back is not in respect to the bodypart, but the angle. In order to be a legal block, contact has to be made from the side or front of the body. So being blocked in the back of the shoulder is a block in the back.

It is hard to tell from stills. but if the initial contact is in the front or side. Then it is not a block in the back if the player turns his back towards the blocker and then gets knocked down.I have been taught this at many clinics. And if you don't see the whole thing you can not call anything.

 

[jurb26]

Ghost Rider, no harm no foul and I don't doubt for a minute that Ward did get away with a push off at some portion of the game as you seem to recall. As I have said, some times guys get caught, other times they don't. It's a shame that things are this way, but it is also going to be a reality when you deal with humans and an element of error. Given the circumstances of the Djax play though, I think the Ref has to throw that flag. I do appreciate you keeping things civil.

 

[Steelers4Life]

I'm not classless, what I would call classless is Mike Holmgren making an ### out of himself at their post game rally. The only bad call in my eyes was the Hasselbeck PF, Hartings got called for it earlier in the year, so I was aware of the penalty, but he ended up hitting the ball carrier instead of the blocker, no penalty should have been called. The Ben TD, it was called a TD, you people act like he was 3 yards short, he was about 1/2 inch short if he was short at all. Football is played in "real time", not "slow mo replays" on FBGs, ref called it a TD, booth upheld it, Seachickens needed to get over it and play ball. Locklear holding call??? I screamed hold before the ball even left Hasselbecks hand, it was clear Haggans had a jump and he reached out and turned Clarks shoulder to slow him down, that's a flag EVERYTIME if you do it in front of a ref. I guess the Steelers should just give the Lombardi back ???? These were penalties, period, I won't apologize because they made critical mistakes at the wrong times. Steelers played a heck of a game, we won in spite of ben's performance, different players stepping it up at the right times is what makes a great team, and that is what this team did all year long. All the whiners and haters can't change my mind about who the better team was Sunday, the SCOREBOARD is the stat that counts the most.....            

Get over it....

This is an example of why Steeler fans are betting bashed.

Answer me this a honestly as you can...1. Did D Jax push off ? Be honest..

2. Did Haggans shoulder get turned by Locklear reaching out, slowing Haggans progress ? Be honest...

Why can't some of you Steeler fans let this go? Why do you feel the need to try and defend the poor officiating that took place on Sunday?It would be nice to see more Steeler fans saying something like...

"True the officiating wasn't that good on Sunday and it affecting the game. However, the Steelers made some big plays and won the game."

You've seen me and a bunch of other Steelers fans say that many, many times.The response hasn't exactly been pleasant. It's normally something like "Well, Seattle made big plays too but the officials took them away, so the Steelers have a tainted championship." Only not so nice.

 

[Joe Bryant]

First, let me say that I am a Seattle Seahawk fan but, more importantly, I am a fan of the game. I want to share some of my insight about Super Bowl 40. We need to give credit to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their incredible run through the playoffs, winning on the road against the #1, #2 and #3 seeds from the tough AFC. Their win against the Indianapolis Colts on the road was a testament to the greatness of their football team and their franchise. They won despite two very poor calls by the referee's that seemed to turn the momentum to the Colts. These two calls wreaked of favoritism towards the home team and if it wasn't for a great shoe string tackle by Mr. Roethlisberger we could have been a part of one of the most unfair outcomes of a big game in NFL history.

Now to the Super Bowl. Let's be clear about one thing the Seahawks did not have 1, 2 or 3 bad calls go against them, they had as I counted them, 8 bad calls go against them. While not all these calls determined the outcome of the game, almost all of them changed the momentum and at times took points off the board as well as gave points or added yards to Pittsburgh.

#1- The D-Jax PI. This call should not have been made and was made only because the referee was influenced by Chris Hope's reaction to what he thought was a push off. While the replayed showed that D-Jax extended his arm towards Mr. Hopes chest he did not gain leverage or seperation because of the extension of his arm. For there to be interference the receiver has to gain seperation due to his actions. Clearly, that didn't happen. Mr. Hope reacted towards the official because he got beat, clear and simple. The official took at least 1.5-2.0 seconds before he reached for the flag.

#2- The Roethlisberger TD. While this was a close play I never saw the nose of the ball touch or get to the goal line. This was 3rd down so we don't know if Pittsburgh would have scored on 4th down? To be honest I'm not as upset at this call as most are around the country.

#3- Sean Locklear holding penalty on the pass to Jerramy Stevens to the Pittsburgh 1- yard line. This holding call was questionable, at best. All the analysts agreed that it was a poor call. Seattle would have had the ball at the 1-yard line with the #1 touchdown back in the backfield and the Seattle offensive line dominating Pittsburghs line all day. TD Seahawks.

#4- Nobody's talking about the Joey Porter horse collar tackle on Shaun Alexanders 15 yard run in the 3rd quarter. This was an obvious penalty and one that the officials were suppose to be looking for because of the recent injuries caused by this type of tackle. Porter clearly pulled SA down by grabbing on to the back of Alexanders shoulder pads. 15 additional yards and added momentum, lost.

#5- Hasselbecks penalty for "blocking"? below the waist as he made the tackle on Ike Taylor after his interception. How do you get a penalty for blocking when your opponent has the ball? Watch the play .... Hasselbeck makes a great tackle and that's all. I still can't figure out why the referee made the call that he did? Horrible call. Added yards for Pittsburgh and added momentum.

#6- On the next series when Randle El throws the beautiful pass to Hines Ward for the TD Roethlisberger, behind the line of scrimmage, blocks a Seahawk clearly below the waist to assist Randle El in having more time to throw the TD pass. Watch the replay .... this was clearly, by definition, a block below the waist and should have been called to negate the TD. For this to happen 3 plays after the Hasselbeck call and to not call it on Roethlisberger?

#7- I believe it was on the play that Hasselbeck through the PI, the Pittsburgh linebacker on the left side was offsides by at least 1 yard before the snap was made. You could see it clear as day live and especially on the replay. This offsides would have taken away the PI and gave Seattle the ball back in scoring position.

#8- In the 4th Quarter when Pittsburgh had the ball I was watching the time clock run down as Roethlisberger was ready to take the snap from center the clock reached ZERO then Roethlisberger looked back to the referee behind him and called timeout. The time clock was at 0 at least 1 second before the time out was asked for by Big Ben and the ref gave it to him? The analysts on ABC only explanation was that the referee can't watch the clock and the QB at the same time? WTF? If that's the case then go to the replay and get the call right.

These were all BAD calls. Did they change the outcome of the game? Maybe, maybe not. Did these calls change the momentum away from Seattle? Definately.

I believe these calls changed not only the momentum and possibly the outcome of the game but more importantly it ruined the game for the sports fan. The Pittsburgh fans want to call us Seahawk fans whiny little babies but if these calls would have been called on their team do we really think they would have been quiet on these message boards and proclaimed the Seahawks as the better team? I think not. The stats don't lie. From the opening series the Seahawks dictated the tempo and moved the ball pretty much the entire ball game against what was suppose to be a great defense. The Seattle defense, in my opinion was the better defense on the field also. They gave up two big plays. A gadget play that they should have been prepared for and a 75 yard run that was caused by a 3rd string Safety taking an improper angle on Willie Parker (And yes, he is fast!). Other than those two plays and letting Ben run for a couple of clock-moving runs on 3rd down the Seahawk defense asserted themselves as the better defense. Matt Hasselbeck, in my opinion was the best player on the field and deserved more credit than he got for the game that he played and how he moved the ball on the Pittsburgh defense. What would his stats had looked like had Stevens not dropped the 3 balls he did and D-Jax TD would have been allowed? Wow!

Did Seattle deserve to win? Tough question .... probably not. Their clock management was terrible at the end of each half. I still don't understand why Holmgren didn't attempt a field goal with 53 seconds left and take a chance with a onside kick for a possible game tying TD? D-Jax should have done a better job of catching the ball off his correct shoulder which would have allowed him to keep both feet in bounds at the end zone. And Jerremy Stevens? Talk with your performance. Your performance was terrible. With that said, I thought "the mouth" Joey Porter was a non-factor also and only made one play all day and that was the illegal tackle on SA.

I think every NFL fan should be outraged at the way this game and the Indy-Ptt game was officiated. It smells of boxing and someone needs to be held accountable. I feel sorry for Seahawk fans, players and coaches who have waited 30 years to get this opportunity, only to have it compromised by one horrible call after another. I feel sorry for the Steeler players, fans and coaches. The Steelers had an incredible post-season run to the Title, probably the best in the history of the NFL and they have to listen to all this crap about the officiating. Wake up Mr. Tagliabue ...... there is a foul smell in the air. You manage the greatest team sport in the world and if you don't bring some change, fast, to the way it's officiated you are not going to like the end result.

Congratulations to The Pittsburgh Steelers. I hope that one day our Seahawk Franchise can match your tradition and your consistency.

'The Professor"

Are these your words? By "the professor" do you mean John Clayton?J

 

[Seehawk]

BTW...why are Steeler fans even here?

It's a vent thread..."complain about the refs"...why do you feel the need to jump on / defend / attack / explain every comment by everybody who thinks the refs blew the game? Why the pathalogical need to defend the refs? Nobody's attacking the Steelers. Nobody's claiming they cheated. Most people are saying the Refs blew several calls AND MOST STEELER FANS AGREE. So why are you here arguing about it?

The Seahawks are the ones that got hosed and they seem to be having less trouble moving on then the Steeler fans. (NOT saying they lost the game because of the refs, just saying what most Steeler fans are saying, that some bad calls went in favor of the Steelers)