Officiating

[Guiness]

Their arms slightly tangled when both went for the ball simultaneously - I think it's a harsh, harsh call when in fact it was perfectly timed by Shields.

Ok, that's what I remember.

I guess the 'he didn't turn his head' argument is that he couldn't have been going for the ball if he wasn't looking for it - he was only looking to prevent the receiver from catching it.

[LEWCWA]

Ok, that's what I remember.

I guess the 'he didn't turn his head' argument is that he couldn't have been going for the ball if he wasn't looking for it - he was only looking to prevent the receiver from catching it.

I have a diffferent take on this. I saw shields turn his head, find the ball, turn back to the rec. and go up for the ball. This should be a play the comp. committee looks at to determine what is and isn't PI. Thing with Shields is he turned his head to find the ball, but not his body! Most corners have to turn there whole body when looking for the ball. Just my opinion.

[mmmdk]

Pass Interference

1. There shall be no interference with a forward pass thrown from behind the line. The restriction for the passing team starts with the snap. The restriction on the defensive team starts when the ball leaves the passer�s hand. Both restrictions end when the ball is touched by anyone.

2. The penalty for defensive pass interference is an automatic first down at the spot of the foul. If interference is in the end zone, it is first down for the offense on the defense�s 1-yard line. If previous spot was inside the defense�s 1-yard line, penalty is half the distance to the goal line.

3. The penalty for offensive pass interference is 10 yards from the previous spot.

4. It is pass interference by either team when any player movement beyond the line of scrimmage significantly hinders the progress of an eligible player of such player�s opportunity to catch the ball. Offensive pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is snapped until the ball is touched. Defensive pass interference rules apply from the time the ball is thrown until the ball is touched.

Actions that constitute defensive pass interference include but are not limited to:

(a) Contact by a defender who is not playing the ball and such contact restricts the receiver�s opportunity to make the catch.

(b) Playing through the back of a receiver in an attempt to make a play on the ball.

(c) Grabbing a receiver�s arm(s) in such a manner that restricts his opportunity to catch a pass.

(d) Extending an arm across the body of a receiver thus restricting his ability to catch a pass, regardless of whether the defender is playing the ball.

(e) Cutting off the path of a receiver by making contact with him without playing the ball.

(f) Hooking a receiver in an attempt to get to the ball in such a manner that it causes the receiver�s body to turn prior to the ball arriving.

Actions that do not constitute pass interference include but are not limited to:

(a) Incidental contact by a defender�s hands, arms, or body when both players are competing for the ball, or neither player is looking for the ball. If there is any question whether contact is incidental, the ruling shall be no interference.

(b) Inadvertent tangling of feet when both players are playing the ball or neither player is playing the ball.

(c) Contact that would normally be considered pass interference, but the pass is clearly uncatchable by the involved players.

(d) Laying a hand on a receiver that does not restrict the receiver in an attempt to make a play on the ball.

(e) Contact by a defender who has gained position on a receiver in an attempt to catch the ball.

Actions that constitute offensive pass interference include but are not limited to:

(a) Blocking downfield by an offensive player prior to the ball being touched.

(b) Initiating contact with a defender by shoving or pushing off thus creating a separation in an attempt to catch a pass.

(c) Driving through a defender who has established a position on the field.

Actions that do not constitute offensive pass interference include but are not limited to:

(a) Incidental contact by a receiver�s hands, arms, or body when both players are competing for the ball or neither player is looking for the ball.

(b) Inadvertent touching of feet when both players are playing the ball or neither player is playing the ball.

(c) Contact that would normally be considered pass interference, but the ball is clearly uncatchable by involved players.

Note 1: If there is any question whether player contact is incidental, the ruling should be no interference.

Note 2: Defensive players have as much right to the path of the ball as eligible offensive players.

Note 3: Pass interference for both teams ends when the pass is touched.

Note 4: There can be no pass interference at or behind the line of scrimmage, but defensive actions such as tackling a receiver can still result in a 5-yard penalty for defensive holding, if accepted.

Note 5: Whenever a team presents an apparent punting formation, defensive pass interference is not to be called for action on the end man on the line of scrimmage, or an eligible receiver behind the line of scrimmage who is aligned or in motion more than one yard outside the end man on the line. Defensive holding, such as tackling a receiver, still can be called and result in a 5-yard penalty and automatic first down from the previous spot, if accepted. Offensive pass interference rules still apply.

[denverYooper]

I had Falcon fans at work this morning bitching about the officiating. I thought there were some missed and some ticky-tack calls but I thought they went both ways.

It's pretty hard to pin a four score loss on officiating.

[mraynrand]

Shields hit Jenkin's arms working through him to get to the ball. It was weak PI, but technically it was a correct call. Truth is though that refs will just let you get a way with more contact if you are turned and looking back to the ball. The reason is that you have an equal right to go for the ball, and having your head and body turned makes it easier for the refs to allow minor contact. It's just one of those things the refs are trained to look for. When they see the defender with head turned, their focus completely changes - both defender and receiver are now equal.

[Guiness]

I have a diffferent take on this. I saw shields turn his head, find the ball, turn back to the rec. and go up for the ball. This should be a play the comp. committee looks at to determine what is and isn't PI. Thing with Shields is he turned his head to find the ball, but not his body! Most corners have to turn there whole body when looking for the ball. Just my opinion.

So, you're saying Shields could be an extra on the next remake of The Exorcist? Would Drew Barrymore appear in this production?

thanks for digging up the rule mmmdk

[AtlPackFan]

It's pretty hard to pin a four score loss on officiating.

They were trying. I just smiled.

[mmmdk]

Shields hit Jenkin's arms working through him to get to the ball. It was weak PI, but technically it was a correct call. Truth is though that refs will just let you get a way with more contact if you are turned and looking back to the ball. The reason is that you have an equal right to go for the ball, and having your head and body turned makes it easier for the refs to allow minor contact. It's just one of those things the refs are trained to look for. When they see the defender with head turned, their focus completely changes - both defender and receiver are now equal.

I like this view too!

[mmmdk]

So, you're saying Shields could be an extra on the next remake of The Exorcist? Would Drew Barrymore appear in this production?

thanks for digging up the rule mmmdk

Trying to repent myself after having said: " Packers can't win big one with McCarthy as HC".

[Pugger]

The only problem I had with the officiating was the fact that FOX seemed to be ignoring the penalties. Once, Buck and Aik were talking and completely ignored what was being called on the field, talking over the ref. Another time there was a flag thrown and we didn't know about it until the Ref anounced what was going on. There was a general lack of replays on penalties and it was just frustrating. Just because I have a DVR, it doesn't mean I shouldn't be treated to a replay after every play. When I'm watching the game live, I'm watching the skill positions. On a replay, I get a chance to check out how the line is doing, who's getting pushed around and what not. FOX just seems to be ignoring the play in lieu of whatever talking points they have to hit.

Is that just me? I remember games back in the day (90's) where at the very least they'd show a replay while they were hitting their points. Today they only replay the big plays and never replay something that might have been questionable.

I didn't care for Buck and Aikman talking over the ref either. I hope the guys officiating the bare game yesterday aren't there again this Sunday. Chicago's DBs were clutching and grabbing Seattle's WRs all afternoon.

[swede]

Trying to repent myself after having said: " Packers can't win big one with McCarthy as HC".

I think MM, though stung, by the things you wrote, used the criticism to better himself, and he decided that--goshdarnit--mmmdk is right; the considerable offensive weapons he has at his disposal needed to be used in a more aggressive manner.

You've had a positive effect on this team. Love hurts.

[mmmdk]

I think MM, though stung, by the things you wrote, used the criticism to better himself, and he decided that--goshdarnit--mmmdk is right; the considerable offensive weapons he has at his disposal needed to be used in a more aggressive manner.

You've had a positive effect on this team. Love hurts.

Yes...YES!!! That's it...you're so Stubbin' smart!

[HarveyWallbangers]

I didn't care for Buck and Aikman talking over the ref either. I hope the guys officiating the bare game yesterday aren't there again this Sunday. Chicago's DBs were clutching and grabbing Seattle's WRs all afternoon.

That is one thing I'm worried about. They were very (overly) physical. If it's called both ways, but I fear a game where the Bears DBs mug our WRs, but we get called for ticky tack PIs.

[Freak Out]

How does the NFL decide what crews get brought in for the game?

[LEWCWA]

So, you're saying Shields could be an extra on the next remake of The Exorcist? Would Drew Barrymore appear in this production?

thanks for digging up the rule mmmdk

I don't know about you but I have enough range of motiong in my neck to look back without turning my whole body. That is what I was saying it looked to me like Shields did on that play. From what I have seen out of other corners, they usually fully turn to play the ball. Looked like good Def. to me........