In the last game of the regular season with important playoff consequences, the Detroit Lions scored a touchdown which a referee ruled incomplete. Although the television replay demonstrated that without a doubt it was a legitimate touchdown, the Lions had to settle for a field goal. The Lions were deprived of four points, and the Green Bay Packers went on to win the game by FOUR points.
In the arcane world of NFL rules, the call on the field could not be automatically reviewed because it was called incomplete; if however, the referee had ruled that it was a completed pass and a touchdown, the call would have been reviewed automatically. A coach's challenge was not an option since the Lions had no remaining challenges. Thus, contrary to visual proof of a touchdown, the Lions have to settle for a field goal, and the Packers go on to win by the four points that were disallowed.
This situation is bad on so many levels. First of all, the field judge, Greg Gautreauz, should have made the correct call. Secondly, instead of calling it incomplete, he should have ruled it a touchdown, a call that could have been reviewed. Thirdly, the NFL rule should require automatic review of plays in the end zone as does the NCAA.
By the way, one cannot blame coach Jim Schwartz for having used both of his challenges. He used them on important calls, one of which overturned the call on the field.
Since the technology exists to get it right, why does the NFL continue to come up with these inexplicable rules ? The NFL needs to learn a basic lesson: simplify and you will get it right. Automatically review every potential scoring play.
This situation is bad on so many levels. First of all, the field judge, Greg Gautreauz, should have made the correct call. Secondly, instead of calling it incomplete, he should have ruled it a touchdown, a call that could have been reviewed. Thirdly, the NFL rule should require automatic review of plays in the end zone as does the NCAA.
By the way, one cannot blame coach Jim Schwartz for having used both of his challenges. He used them on important calls, one of which overturned the call on the field.
Since the technology exists to get it right, why does the NFL continue to come up with these inexplicable rules ? The NFL needs to learn a basic lesson: simplify and you will get it right. Automatically review every potential scoring play.
No comments:
Post a Comment