What is the fascination some people have with complaining about offici (1 Viewer)

[Steeler]

I think there is way too much complaining going on about officiating after nearly every big game. I just don't understand all the focus on the officials.. don't we all watch sports for the game and players? If a call (good or bad) goes against your team they simply have to overcome it. Complaining about it after the game isn't going to change anything. Why can't more people see officiating like this?

Specifically related to the Super Bowl; I understand there is probably a lot of fishing going on at this site and on the internet in general, but I think if you are focusing on the "bad" officiating you really missed a great game.

Here's what I saw: The Steelers got out to a 10-0 lead and looked impressive on both offensive series... I'm sure Steeler fans everywhere were thinking/ hoping it might turn into a blowout. Then the Cards scored to pull within 3 and were on the one yard line after a tipped Big Ben pass for an INT that set them up with a short field just before half.... the momentum had changed. Then the Steelers bait Warner into a pick that Harrison returns for a TD... the momentum changed back big time!

After halftime, the teams exchanged punts a couple times and then the Steelers drove down to the 5. With first and 10 at about the 5 yard line, and the Steelers poised to take a 17 point lead, the Cards D rises up and stops Pittsburgh... big stop! The Cards are still alive... but wait, there was a Cards penalty... Steelers get another crack at first and 10 from the 5... the Cards hold again... what a great defensive stand to keep them in the game.

Then the Cards have a nice long drive resulting in a Fitz jump ball TD to pull within 6, and the Steelers O goes 3 and out... momentum is back with the Cards. The Cards stall and choose to punt on 4th and 17 instead of trying a long FG... the strategy works and the Steelers are pinned at the one late in the 4th quarter! Ward drops a pass on first down, Parker nearly gets tackled in the end zone for a safety, and on third down the Steelers convert on a great one handed catch by Holmes on a ball that was a little behind him... one more first down and the Steelers probably win! But wait, holding in the endzone, safety on the Steelers... big momentum shift again.

After the free kick, it is the match up everyone wanted to see; the Cards vaunted O vs. the Steelers vaunted D with the game on the line... what could be better? Then Fitz takes the slant all the way to the endzone (that big match up didn't last long)... what a great play for the underdog Cards who take the lead for the first time in the game! The Steelers have about 2:30 seconds left on the clock. Can the maligned Steeler offensive win the game? Holding on first down... first and 20... Ben scrambles and finds Holmes for about 14... 2nd down incomplete... Holmes makes a nice catch for a first down on 3rd after getting smacked. A couple plays later Holmes cuts outside, while the Cards defender slips and he's off! Tackled at the 6... momentum has swung yet again! Holmes drops a TD on first down, but makes an even more spectacular catch on 2nd down to take the lead with 35 seconds left! The Cards last drive stalls at mid field with a sack/fumble that the Steelers recover with 5 seconds on the clock... Ben takes a knee and one of the most exciting Super Bowls is in the books!

So if you can't see the beauty in this game, with all the ebbs and flows and huge momentum shifts and huge plays by both teams, a game that include 23 points scored in the last 8 minutes of the 4th quarter... and instead you are focusing on the officials; I think you are way off base and may be a little

 

[dgreen]

Somehow I think you are biased.

Having said that, I tend to agree. Refs rarely affect the outcome of a game. So many other things happen in a game to put much blame on the refs.

Having said both those things, what is the fascination with responding to anyone and everyone who doesn't think your team is the best?

 

[MAC_32]

It's really not that hard, some people just like to ##### and moan...about anything.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I can't believe you started this thread. Not too many people are blaming the refs in that game but now you've just baited the trolls. Couldn't we just let that die already?

On a sidenote, I just re-watched the 2005 Colts/Steelers playoff game and man there were some brutal calls (against both teams) in that game. I think that ref was seriously brain dead.

 

[Steeler]

Somehow I think you are biased.Having said that, I tend to agree. Refs rarely affect the outcome of a game. So many other things happen in a game to put much blame on the refs.Having said both those things, what is the fascination with responding to anyone and everyone who doesn't think your team is the best?

I'm not biased as I hate complaining about the officials even when Steeler fans do it. And I haven't really responded much in any of the other threads... I was just trying to show another way to look at this game without the knee-jerk reaction about officals that follows nearly every game.

 

[Steeler]

It's really not that hard, some people just like to ##### and moan...about anything.

I'm not saying don't complain... just complain about a play that wasn't made by the team you are rooting for.

 

[Steeler]

I can't believe you started this thread. Not too many people are blaming the refs in that game but now you've just baited the trolls. Couldn't we just let that die already?

I'm sure the thread will probably deteriorate, but I only used the backdrop of the Super Bowl to discuss why people complain so much about the officials... instead of focusing on the plays that were made/ not made... defensive strategies... etc.

 

[Ozymandias]

I can see why you take the stance you do. When your team has obviously paid off the officials to get favorable calls so that you can claim yet another Superbowl, you don't want anyone looking into the details too closely.

Understandable.

 

[Steeler]

I can see why you take the stance you do. When your team has obviously paid off the officials to get favorable calls so that you can claim yet another Superbowl, you don't want anyone looking into the details too closely.Understandable.

I guess you were right fred

 

[Wadsworth]

I find it odd and annoying as well. And certainly Steeler fans are as guilty as anyone else. After the Jags beat the Steelers in 2007 I thought my ears were going to fall off with all the complaining about Khalif Barnes holding on the run by Garrard that set up the game winner. All fan bases have complainers. And it never shows them or their team in a good light when they start with the whine fest.

 

[Steeler]

I find it odd and annoying as well. And certainly Steeler fans are as guilty as anyone else. After the Jags beat the Steelers in 2007 I thought my ears were going to fall off with all the complaining about Khalif Barnes holding on the run by Garrard that set up the game winner. All fan bases have complainers. And it never shows them or their team in a good light when they start with the whine fest.

That play is a perfect example. Any Steeler fan who complained about that call was wrong... T. Carter missed a tackle on the play that allowed Garrard to get into FG range... the Steelers didn't overcome the non-call by missing a tackle (not to mention all the other mistakes they made in that game).

 

[SR388]

No kidding you don't get it. The Steelers get more calls their way then Michael Jordon did.

 

[fred_1_15301]

I can see why you take the stance you do. When your team has obviously paid off the officials to get favorable calls so that you can claim yet another Superbowl, you don't want anyone looking into the details too closely.Understandable.

I guess you were right fred

I hate to say I told you so but........

 

[fred_1_15301]

No kidding you don't get it. The Steelers get more calls their way then Michael Jordon did.

You've already admitted that you fish to get a rise out of Steelers fans. Your bait no longer works............

 

[Banger]

No kidding you don't get it. The Steelers get more calls their way then Michael Jordon did.

the Steelers had the 8th most penalty yards against them this season...so I guess the refs don't like them in the regular season but once playoff time rolls around they all make the calls for them. Makes sense....

 

[SR388]

No kidding you don't get it. The Steelers get more calls their way then Michael Jordon did.

You've already admitted that you fish to get a rise out of Steelers fans. Your bait no longer works............

I know, just thought I'd throw one more out there.Congrats Steeler fans.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

I think there is way too much complaining going on about officiating after nearly every big game. I just don't understand all the focus on the officials.. don't we all watch sports for the game and players? If a call (good or bad) goes against your team they simply have to overcome it. Complaining about it after the game isn't going to change anything. Why can't more people see officiating like this?

It was in the league's best interest to see the Steelers win, so they got the benefit of the doubt. That's why even with parody resulting from the cap, you still see the Cowboys, Steelers, and other powerhouses getting all the calls. When I'm at an Islanders - Rangers game, it's almost like my Islanders have to pummel the Rangers to win because the Rangers get the benefit of the doubt- always. It's in the league's best interest.Which is why it's special to see underdogs come in in the major sports.

 

[Steeler]

I think there is way too much complaining going on about officiating after nearly every big game. I just don't understand all the focus on the officials.. don't we all watch sports for the game and players? If a call (good or bad) goes against your team they simply have to overcome it. Complaining about it after the game isn't going to change anything. Why can't more people see officiating like this?

It was in the league's best interest to see the Steelers win, so they got the benefit of the doubt. That's why even with parody resulting from the cap, you still see the Cowboys, Steelers, and other powerhouses getting all the calls. When I'm at an Islanders - Rangers game, it's almost like my Islanders have to pummel the Rangers to win because the Rangers get the benefit of the doubt- always. It's in the league's best interest.Which is why it's special to see underdogs come in in the major sports.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

I'll take one last shot at this and then I'm done with these threads.

Anyone saying that the Steelers were handed the Super Bowl against the Cardinals due to one sided referee calls is a complete fool.

Anyone saying that the Steelers weren't handed the Super Bowl against the Seahawks due to one sided referee calls is a complete fool.

I'm not a fan of any of these teams. Just a long time, objective NFL fan.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

No kidding you don't get it. The Steelers get more calls their way then Michael Jordon did.

Who is Michael Jordon?

I think there is way too much complaining going on about officiating after nearly every big game. I just don't understand all the focus on the officials.. don't we all watch sports for the game and players? If a call (good or bad) goes against your team they simply have to overcome it. Complaining about it after the game isn't going to change anything. Why can't more people see officiating like this?

It was in the league's best interest to see the Steelers win, so they got the benefit of the doubt. That's why even with parody resulting from the cap, you still see the Cowboys, Steelers, and other powerhouses getting all the calls. When I'm at an Islanders - Rangers game, it's almost like my Islanders have to pummel the Rangers to win because the Rangers get the benefit of the doubt- always. It's in the league's best interest.

Which is why it's special to see underdogs come in in the major sports.

So, the cap makes the league an SNL/National Lampoon version of itself ?P.S. Ugh.. you like the Islanders AND the Browns? Tell me you're a Knicks and Mets/Yankees fan too.....

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

I think there is way too much complaining going on about officiating after nearly every big game. I just don't understand all the focus on the officials.. don't we all watch sports for the game and players? If a call (good or bad) goes against your team they simply have to overcome it. Complaining about it after the game isn't going to change anything. Why can't more people see officiating like this?

It was in the league's best interest to see the Steelers win, so they got the benefit of the doubt. That's why even with parody resulting from the cap, you still see the Cowboys, Steelers, and other powerhouses getting all the calls. When I'm at an Islanders - Rangers game, it's almost like my Islanders have to pummel the Rangers to win because the Rangers get the benefit of the doubt- always. It's in the league's best interest.Which is why it's special to see underdogs come in in the major sports.

Call it what you want. A good portion of this board, and not only fans of the Steelers' rivals, have cried foul about the calls. But I won't interrupt YOUR fishing trip here.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

No kidding you don't get it. The Steelers get more calls their way then Michael Jordon did.

Who is Michael Jordon?

I think there is way too much complaining going on about officiating after nearly every big game. I just don't understand all the focus on the officials.. don't we all watch sports for the game and players? If a call (good or bad) goes against your team they simply have to overcome it. Complaining about it after the game isn't going to change anything. Why can't more people see officiating like this?

It was in the league's best interest to see the Steelers win, so they got the benefit of the doubt. That's why even with parody resulting from the cap, you still see the Cowboys, Steelers, and other powerhouses getting all the calls. When I'm at an Islanders - Rangers game, it's almost like my Islanders have to pummel the Rangers to win because the Rangers get the benefit of the doubt- always. It's in the league's best interest.

Which is why it's special to see underdogs come in in the major sports.

So, the cap makes the league an SNL/National Lampoon version of itself ?P.S. Ugh.. you like the Islanders AND the Browns? Tell me you're a Knicks and Mets/Yankees fan too.....

You son of a b*tch!I didn't even catch that... And it's always YOU that nails me on the spelling and grammar ...

FWIW, I'm a Nets and Astros fan. I guess I like the abuse.

 

[Steeler]

Call it what you want. A good portion of this board, and not only fans of the Steelers' rivals, have cried foul about the calls. But I won't interrupt YOUR fishing trip here.

Right, and I am calling you and all those people The game itself was awesome based on the players and the circumstances and the big plays, especially at the end of the game... you are focusing on the wrong thing.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Call it what you want. A good portion of this board, and not only fans of the Steelers' rivals, have cried foul about the calls. But I won't interrupt YOUR fishing trip here.

Right, and I am calling you and all those people The game itself was awesome based on the players and the circumstances and the big plays, especially at the end of the game... you are focusing on the wrong thing.

Of course you are, because you're a Steelers fan and do not want your title tainted. But people are gonna call 'em like they see 'em. And it's a heckuva lot more people than the usual scattering of Steelers haters on the board like myself.Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Shall I go on?

 

[Steeler]

Call it what you want. A good portion of this board, and not only fans of the Steelers' rivals, have cried foul about the calls. But I won't interrupt YOUR fishing trip here.

Right, and I am calling you and all those people The game itself was awesome based on the players and the circumstances and the big plays, especially at the end of the game... you are focusing on the wrong thing.

Of course you are, because you're a Steelers fan and do not want your title tainted. But people are gonna call 'em like they see 'em. And it's a heckuva lot more people than the usual scattering of Steelers haters on the board like myself.Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Shall I go on?

I understand that there is a lot of complaining... my question is why? I never complain about officiating and it bothers me that so many people do it (after any game, not just this one)... the game was fun and exciting and doesn't need the complaining So can I mark you down as "Steeler hater" as the reason for you complaining? Or do you honestly thing the outcome of the game was changed by the officals? If the later (that means the 2nd one), you are

 

[treat88]

I understand that there is a lot of complaining... my question is why?

Because every fan base has it's lowest common denominator and the media loves to pander to them.Throw in the fact the Steelers are a very polarizing franchise and it rises to another level.

 

[MAC_32]

It's really not that hard, some people just like to ##### and moan...about anything.

I'm not saying don't complain... just complain about a play that wasn't made by the team you are rooting for.

Pfft, why would anyone do that when blame can be deflected elsewhere?

 

[MAC_32]

No kidding you don't get it. The Steelers get more calls their way then Michael Jordon did.

I read something earlier this year that the Steelers' opponents hadn't had a holding call on them for something like 6+ straight games.Epic fail.

 

[Uber]

Yeah, weird how people have a "fascination" about it when refs hand a Super Bowl victory to a team.

 

[Steeler]

Yeah, weird how people have a "fascination" about it when refs hand a Super Bowl victory to a team.

 

[MAC_32]

Yeah, weird how people have a "fascination" about it when refs hand a Super Bowl victory to a team.

I forgot the refs told Warner to read the defense poorly at the goal line and hot route slant right to where Harrison would be.How foolish of me.

 

[Uber]

Yeah, weird how people have a "fascination" about it when refs hand a Super Bowl victory to a team.

Watch the games.

 

[MAC_32]

Yeah, weird how people have a "fascination" about it when refs hand a Super Bowl victory to a team.

Watch the games.

Yes, because if they were handing them the game they would take away Big Ben's debatable TD and force them into a FG or go for it on 4th down situation.Fail.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I think there is way too much complaining going on about officiating after nearly every big game.

Last year's Super Bowl was a great game, was close the entire way, and I do not recall any complaining about officiating after that game, by either side. Same goes for other recent close Super Bowls, like Patriots/Panthers, Patriots/Eagles, Colts/Bears (was close most of the game), etc.But when there are games with bad officiating, especially in the playoffs (Steelers/Cardinals, Broncos/Patriots, Steelers/Colts, Steelers/Seahawks, etc.), people are going to talk.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

Yeah, weird how people have a "fascination" about it when refs hand a Super Bowl victory to a team.

Watch the games.

Yes, because if they were handing them the game they would take away Big Ben's debatable TD and force them into a FG or go for it on 4th down situation.Fail.

And give Arizona 2 points on a holding call in the end zone that they easily could have not called.

 

[Ghost Rider]

And give Arizona 2 points on a holding call in the end zone that they easily could have not called.

That hold was much more blatant and obvious than the one in the Seattle/Pittsburgh Super Bowl (that took away the completion that would have given Seattle 1st and goal at the 1), that you all insisted was such as easy and right call. Or do you think dragging a defensive lineman down from behind, which stopped him from getting to the QB, who as a result was able to complete a pass on 3rd and 10 for a first down, is not a hold?C'mon, man. I know you are a Steelers fan, but you are better than this.

 

[Steeler]

And give Arizona 2 points on a holding call in the end zone that they easily could have not called.

That hold was much more blatant and obvious than the one in the Seattle/Pittsburgh Super Bowl (that took away the completion that would have given Seattle 1st and goal at the 1), that you all insisted was such as easy and right call. Or do you think dragging a defensive lineman down from behind, which stopped him from getting to the QB, who as a result was able to complete a pass on 3rd and 10 for a first down, is not a hold?C'mon, man. I know you are a Steelers fan, but you are better than this.

See, this is my point. The Steelers were able to overcome that call regardless if it was correct or not. Arguing for 794 pages (and 4 years later ) about that call (or any other) isn't relevant. The call was made and the Steelers made enough plays after that to win the game.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I agree the officiating this year was subpar, but people claiming the Steelers got a gift are either fishing or in BGP-like denial. Everyone is pointing out these questionable calls that went the Steelers way that actually had very little effect on the game (i.e. the roughing the passer penalty on Dansby and the running over the kicker call.) At best, the former penalty gave the Steelers 3 points, and the latter had no effect. Now compare that to the end zone holding call which nullified a CRITICAL first down, gave Arizona 2 points, AND the ball. This call had the largest impact on the game of any of those calls by a HUGE margin, and it benefitted Arizona. Sure, it was a hold by the letter of the law, so I'm not griping about it, but as many people have said, holding occurs on almost every play. Holding in the end zone is rarely, rarely called, and I've seen Harrison and Woodley held much more egregiously with no flag all season long, including in this very game.

So, why do so many think the Steelers got the "benefit of the officiating"? Other than the roughing the passer penalty, which was a judgment call, every other call made in the game against AZ was proven unequivocally to be correct.

Answer : either jealousy or fishing. Or both.

Steelers are the champs and the best franchise in the NFL. Deal with it.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

And give Arizona 2 points on a holding call in the end zone that they easily could have not called.

That hold was much more blatant and obvious than the one in the Seattle/Pittsburgh Super Bowl (that took away the completion that would have given Seattle 1st and goal at the 1), that you all insisted was such as easy and right call. Or do you think dragging a defensive lineman down from behind, which stopped him from getting to the QB, who as a result was able to complete a pass on 3rd and 10 for a first down, is not a hold?C'mon, man. I know you are a Steelers fan, but you are better than this.

Was it really? I would say the Locklear hold was worse. Locklear tackled the pass rusher from behind.. Hartwig held onto the rusher as he fell backwards. He didn't tackle him from behind at all. Also didn't prevent the rusher from getting to Roethlisberger at all.Besides which, I never argued the Hartwig call. I think it was the right call. However, it was a judgment call and it went Arizona's way and had a GIANT impact on the game. No one's talking about it because Arizona lost. I just find it funny that people think the Steelers "got all the calls" when the biggest call of the entire game went against them, and like it or not, is a judgment call.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

And give Arizona 2 points on a holding call in the end zone that they easily could have not called.

That hold was much more blatant and obvious than the one in the Seattle/Pittsburgh Super Bowl (that took away the completion that would have given Seattle 1st and goal at the 1), that you all insisted was such as easy and right call. Or do you think dragging a defensive lineman down from behind, which stopped him from getting to the QB, who as a result was able to complete a pass on 3rd and 10 for a first down, is not a hold?C'mon, man. I know you are a Steelers fan, but you are better than this.

See, this is my point. The Steelers were able to overcome that call regardless if it was correct or not. Arguing for 794 pages (and 4 years later ) about that call (or any other) isn't relevant. The call was made and the Steelers made enough plays after that to win the game.

Exactly. People can't have it both ways. Both of those calls were correct, each was a legitimate holding call that had an impact on the game. Pittsburgh in 43 was able to overcaome it and win, Seattle in XL could not. That's why Pittsburgh has 2 titles in 4 years and Seattle and Arizona have none, plain and simple.

 

[Adebisi]

I agree the officiating this year was subpar, but people claiming the Steelers got a gift are either fishing or in BGP-like denial. Everyone is pointing out these questionable calls that went the Steelers way that actually had very little effect on the game (i.e. the roughing the passer penalty on Dansby and the running over the kicker call.) At best, the former penalty gave the Steelers 3 points, and the latter had no effect. Now compare that to the end zone holding call which nullified a CRITICAL first down, gave Arizona 2 points, AND the ball. This call had the largest impact on the game of any of those calls by a HUGE margin, and it benefitted Arizona. Sure, it was a hold by the letter of the law, so I'm not griping about it, but as many people have said, holding occurs on almost every play. Holding in the end zone is rarely, rarely called, and I've seen Harrison and Woodley held much more egregiously with no flag all season long, including in this very game.

So, why do so many think the Steelers got the "benefit of the officiating"? Other than the roughing the passer penalty, which was a judgment call, every other call made in the game against AZ was proven unequivocally to be correct.

Answer : either jealousy or fishing. Or both.

Steelers are the champs and the best franchise in the NFL. Deal with it.

That all comes to an end once Tom Brady is ready to play again. Let's not pretend you guys didn't catch a huge break in Week 1 when Brady went down for the season. I hope the Steelers remembered to thank the Chiefs when they were hoisting that Lombardi Trophy.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Was it really? I would say the Locklear hold was worse. Locklear tackled the pass rusher from behind.. Hartwig held onto the rusher as he fell backwards. He didn't tackle him from behind at all. Also didn't prevent the rusher from getting to Roethlisberger at all.

Kind of like how Darrell Jackson's supposed push-off didn't create any actual separation in Super Bowl XL? Using your logic, that probably shouldn't have been called, either, right?

Besides which, I never argued the Hartwig call. I think it was the right call. However, it was a judgment call and it went Arizona's way and had a GIANT impact on the game. No one's talking about it because Arizona lost. I just find it funny that people think the Steelers "got all the calls" when the biggest call of the entire game went against them, and like it or not, is a judgment call.

Okay then, if you want to go that route, the two biggest calls in the Seattle/Pittsburgh were also judgment calls (the PI, and the holding call), and they both went against Seattle. How do you explain that one? Also, most are not saying that the Steelers got all of the calls (and those who are are the idiots saying the game was fixed or other nonsense like that), just that they received some questionable ones that they benefited from. Also Part II, think of this: Y'all should be happy that Roethlisberger didn't actually score on that first possession, because if he had, that touchdown would have been extremely controversial, too (since he was dragged into the end zone by one of his lineman, which is ILLEGAL). Lastly, no one is debating whether or not the Steelers are the champs. They are. As for best franchise in the NFL, that is debatable, unless the team that is currently the champs in any sport is the best at that given time. Do this mean that the Phillies are the best franchise in MLB right now?

 

[Ghost Rider]

BTW, I do not always agree with this idea that good teams should always be able to overcome bad calls against them. If a critical call goes against you at the wrong time, sometimes, you cannot overcome that.

Remember that NE/Buf game ten years ago? The refs gave the Patriots a 4th down completion when the receiver didn't come close to getting two feet down, and then there was that bogus PI call on the Hail Mary.

Or what about Vinny Testaverde's invisible TD in that Seattle/Jets game? How do you overcome a bad call that gave the other team a winning TD in the final seconds of the game?

 

[Steeler]

Remember that NE/Buf game ten years ago?

 

[apalmer]

And give Arizona 2 points on a holding call in the end zone that they easily could have not called.

That hold was much more blatant and obvious than the one in the Seattle/Pittsburgh Super Bowl (that took away the completion that would have given Seattle 1st and goal at the 1), that you all insisted was such as easy and right call. Or do you think dragging a defensive lineman down from behind, which stopped him from getting to the QB, who as a result was able to complete a pass on 3rd and 10 for a first down, is not a hold?

C'mon, man. I know you are a Steelers fan, but you are better than this.

This forfeits any credibility you may have on the issue. Dragging him down from behind? The defensive lineman ran right over top of the offensive lineman--they were face to face and the defensive guy landed on top of the blocker. Not sure what play you were watching.

 

[Sheriff66]

I agree the officiating this year was subpar, but people claiming the Steelers got a gift are either fishing or in BGP-like denial. Everyone is pointing out these questionable calls that went the Steelers way that actually had very little effect on the game (i.e. the roughing the passer penalty on Dansby and the running over the kicker call.) At best, the former penalty gave the Steelers 3 points, and the latter had no effect. Now compare that to the end zone holding call which nullified a CRITICAL first down, gave Arizona 2 points, AND the ball. This call had the largest impact on the game of any of those calls by a HUGE margin, and it benefitted Arizona. Sure, it was a hold by the letter of the law, so I'm not griping about it, but as many people have said, holding occurs on almost every play. Holding in the end zone is rarely, rarely called, and I've seen Harrison and Woodley held much more egregiously with no flag all season long, including in this very game.

So, why do so many think the Steelers got the "benefit of the officiating"? Other than the roughing the passer penalty, which was a judgment call, every other call made in the game against AZ was proven unequivocally to be correct.

Answer : either jealousy or fishing. Or both.

Steelers are the champs and the best franchise in the NFL. Deal with it.

That all comes to an end once Tom Brady is ready to play again. Let's not pretend you guys didn't catch a huge break in Week 1 when Brady went down for the season. I hope the Steelers remembered to thank the Chiefs when they were hoisting that Lombardi Trophy.

He'll need 4 more rings once he gets back...

 

[fred_1_15301]

Can I make a request that Steelers fans just ignore this thread going forward (it's a shame that a Steeler fan had to start it in the first place)? People insinuating that there is some sort of agenda by the league to favor teams like the Steelers or Cowboys should not be taken seriously. They're either fishing or so ignorant that they're not worthy of responding to. I can cite numerous examples where the Steelers have been screwed by officials.

 

[Steeler]

Can I make a request that Steelers fans just ignore this thread going forward (it's a shame that a Steeler fan had to start it in the first place)? People insinuating that there is some sort of agenda by the league to favor teams like the Steelers or Cowboys should not be taken seriously. They're either fishing or so ignorant that they're not worthy of responding to. I can cite numerous examples where the Steelers have been screwed by officials.

As I said, I used the backdrop of this Super Bowl to ask the general question about why so many people complain about officials... and I got an answer I can live with:

Because every fan base has it's lowest common denominator and the media loves to pander to them.

 

[Uber]

Did Tomlin remember to thank Tom Brady for getting injured during his post-game speech? It must've been hard to fit his name after the names of all the refs, but I think it clearly deserved being mentioned.

 

[Evilgrin 72]

I agree the officiating this year was subpar, but people claiming the Steelers got a gift are either fishing or in BGP-like denial. Everyone is pointing out these questionable calls that went the Steelers way that actually had very little effect on the game (i.e. the roughing the passer penalty on Dansby and the running over the kicker call.) At best, the former penalty gave the Steelers 3 points, and the latter had no effect. Now compare that to the end zone holding call which nullified a CRITICAL first down, gave Arizona 2 points, AND the ball. This call had the largest impact on the game of any of those calls by a HUGE margin, and it benefitted Arizona. Sure, it was a hold by the letter of the law, so I'm not griping about it, but as many people have said, holding occurs on almost every play. Holding in the end zone is rarely, rarely called, and I've seen Harrison and Woodley held much more egregiously with no flag all season long, including in this very game.

So, why do so many think the Steelers got the "benefit of the officiating"? Other than the roughing the passer penalty, which was a judgment call, every other call made in the game against AZ was proven unequivocally to be correct.

Answer : either jealousy or fishing. Or both.

Steelers are the champs and the best franchise in the NFL. Deal with it.

That all comes to an end once Tom Brady is ready to play again. Let's not pretend you guys didn't catch a huge break in Week 1 when Brady went down for the season. I hope the Steelers remembered to thank the Chiefs when they were hoisting that Lombardi Trophy.

I'm speaking historically. You guys still have a ways to go to catch the Black & Gold.