Officiating In the SB

[GWBlitzST]

Those refs must have had money on the Seahawks last night. I wasn't at all upset about the shafting that they received, as I bet the Steelers and the under, but if I was a Hawk or had bet differently I'd be pretty mad right now. Every holding call came at a most crucial time, and I don't know if they ever called it against Pittsburgh. Seattle not only had several huge first downs taken back, but the huge return by Warrick that was taken back really took away their momentum. And how quickly the calls were made against Seattle (DJax's one-foot in, Matthew's fumble, and Roethlisburger's TD). Granted, Jackson's foot was out of bounds, and I think Big Ben crossed the line (I also think they'd have punched it in on the next play if they had been stopped), but the officials really seemed to call every questionable call the Steelers' way. I don't care, because I won money. But at the same time, I don't want this kind of crap happening to the Skins, either. How do you guy feels about the officiating of the Super Bowl and throughout the playoffs?

[akhhorus]

The only call that the Hawks have a right to complain about is the Big Ben TD, but thats was a judgement call and the replay shows that the ball touches the goalline. The holding calls were correct calls-the Olinemen CLEARLY held them. And the Offensive pass interference call was right since he did it right in front of an official.

[VTBob]

I'm just speaking in general after seeing some ESPN forums, along with some threads at sportsline...all these people complaining of a conspiracy need to STFU, I agree the officiating was bad, but if the Seahawks were supposed to win the Superbowl they'd have overcome the bad calls, and not missed two FG's and had such horrible time management (last minute of the first half, anyone?)

...Steelers won it, thats all there is to it.

[The Skinsinator]

There were some calls that were a bit iffy that I could see, and Seattle was on the short end of most of them. Holmgrem was noticeably distraught about some officiating towards the end of the 1st half. Roethlisberger's run was a td as he barely crossed the goaline although pushed back.

[akhhorus]

I'm just speaking in general after seeing some ESPN forums, along with some threads at sportsline...all these people complaining of a conspiracy need to STFU, I agree the officiating was bad, but if the Seahawks were supposed to win the Superbowl they'd have overcome the bad calls, and not missed two FG's and had such horrible time management (last minute of the first half, anyone?)

...Steelers won it, thats all there is to it.

And its not like this was a game that came down to a last second FG. This was not a close game at all.

[whitskins]

The officiating was bad throughout the playoffs but if the Seahawks had played even a remotely good game they would have won regardless. They can complain about the refs if they want to but they played a crap game.

I'm just glad the Seahawks finally got called for holding for once. I know their O-line has reached mythic status for some reason, but they were holding all day long against us, and on no play greater than Hasselbeck's run into the end zone which we've all had to endure for weeks on constant replays now. So for that play alone I call this sweet justice.

[HAWGZHEAD]

I think the officiating was fine. Jackson was out of bounds, Rothliesberger got in, Jackson pushed off, there was holding on the kick that was flagged before Warrick even caught the ball I think ( they showed the replay right there on TV). I don't see what all the whining was about.

[The Skinsinator]

And its not like this was a game that came down to a last second FG. This was not a close game at all.No, it wasn't. Seattle really shot themselves in the foot at the worst possible times or this game would have gone down to the wire.

[VTBob]

exactly, I've seen some people say "Seahawks were robbed, they should be the champs!"

...if they were robbed, it would've been a score such as 21-20, not an 11 point defecit.

[redskin_rich]

The officials didn't cause Jaramy Stevens to drop 4 passes that were right in his hands. Nor did they cause Holmgren and Hasselbeck to go braindead at the end of each half. The Seahawks fans are the biggest crybabies I have ever seen, they ought to be ashamed of themselves. Good thing they have those ugly green towels to wipe away their tears.

[akhhorus]

No, it wasn't. Seattle really shot themselves in the foot at the worst possible times or this game would have gone down to the wire.

And the Steelers didn't exactly do much in the first half, they could have easily have won this game by 30 if Big Ben hadn't been nervous in the first half. The Seahawks were completely outmatched-especially in coaching.

[HAWGZHEAD]

I thought Madden was crazy to call that one holding call questionable. He almost had the guy in a headlock for crying out loud.

[BurgundyNGold]

The officiating was bad throughout the playoffs but if the Seahawks had played even a remotely good game they would have won regardless. They can complain about the refs if they want to but they played a crap game.

I'm just glad the Seahawks finally got called for holding for once. I know their O-line has reached mythic status for some reason, but they were holding all day long against us, and on no play greater than Hasselbeck's run into the end zone which we've all had to endure for weeks on constant replays now. So for that play alone I call this sweet justice.
Oh, the BLATANT hold on Ryan Clark in the end zone? Man, I thought I was a total homer because I was the only one that I knew of who thought that call was so obvious that a blind monkey with vertigo could've called it.

[VTBob]

I thought Madden was crazy to call that one holding call questionable. He almost had the guy in a headlock for crying out loud.

Madden is a retard, he was a good coach but he is the worst commentator I've seen...ever.

[BurgundyNGold]

I thought the officiating was OK. The call on Hasselbeck's tack after the INT was bunk. For the most part, the refs made the calls the right way. That is, they called it in such a way on the field that it could be reviewed and reversed if need be from up in the booth. If the Seahawks have a problem with anything it should be the booth officiating process that didn't reverse a call after seeing a gagillion replays from several angles.

[HAWGZHEAD]

I thought the officiating was OK. The call on Hasselbeck's tack after the INT was bunk. Yeah that call was crappy but it would have to been reviewed for them to get it right. Hasslebeck and his blocker were so close together I can see where he could have been mistaken.

[danny's stogie]

I think the media is blowing it out of proportion trying to add post-game spice to an otherwise forgetable, boring, poorly played game. The Seahawk fans have nothing to whine about except the fact that their team had poor execution and failed to capitalize on their oppurtunities. They had the chance to knock out an utterly flat Pittsburgh team and they choked.

[akhhorus]

I thought Madden was crazy to call that one holding call questionable. He almost had the guy in a headlock for crying out loud.

He was only seeing from the back and you can't really see Locklear's arm from that angle, but from the side, you can clearly see the hold.

[chrisbcbu]

I got a kick outta this from D-Jack!

Seahawks | Jackson disagrees with PI call
Mon, 6 Feb 2006 09:32:43 -0800

Mike Sando, of the Tacoma News Tribune, reports Seattle Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck hit WR Darrell Jackson for what appeared to be a 16-yard touchdown pass during the Seahawks' third drive in Super Bowl XL. However, officials flagged Jackson for offensive pass interference. "I didn't even touch him," Jackson said of the Steelers' defender. "I guess that's how it is when you are on the road and I guess that's how it is when you are going against the world."

It looked to me that he was touching him!

[HAWGZHEAD]

He was only seeing from the back and you can't really see Locklear's arm from that angle, but from the side, you can clearly see the hold.No he was commenting on the replay that was right in front of him. That is what I couldn't believe.

[chrisbcbu]

I found this picture. I couldnt help but laugh at it. The Steelers 12th man.

http://www.thejustincase.com/images/stealer.jpg

[dj_stouty]

DJax definitely pushed off...
Ben probably got 1/100th of an inch of the ball over the white stripe...
Seattle got called for holding because they were blatantely holding...

I agree with Rich. The Seahawks need to stop crying and start understanding that they should have won this game. It was THEIR fault they did'nt win, not the refs.

[akhhorus]

Like I posted in the other thread: the seahawks fans lost all right to complain when they compared this to 9-11.

[Axegrinder]

I feel that the officiating was bad.
Did it affect the outcome of the game?
We'll never know for sure.

[Slobberknocker]

I'm just sad it was a lousy Super Bowl. We always say the playoffs turn out to be better than the Big Game, but this year takes the cake.

It's not so much that the officiating changed the outcome of the game as much as it changed the perception. Unless your team is involved (or you have serious money at stake), who wins or loses isn't even really the issue. You want to watch a hard-fought battle with a victory that seems well-deserved. You want to crown a legitimate champion, not wonder what might have been.

It's like waiting all summer for a blockbuster movie, only to walk out of the theater with a sense of disappointment, like the trailer had set you up for a "Big Event" that never happened.

The refs are now the punching bag because people's expectations were once again so high, and the result felt so anti-climactic.

Maybe we should stop setting expectations for one game so incredibly high? Like that's going to happen...

Oh, and what happened to Pittsburgh's play calling? It seemed like they were wide open throughout the playoff run, then they resorted to the same-ol same-ol at the Big Show. Wasn't till the second half that anything got started.

Midway through the fourth quarter I turned to my wife and said, "It feels like the game is just starting!"

A lot of people feel slighted by the performances during the game itself -- Ben's passer rating, all those dropped balls, no running game, no momentum on either side...

There's just a lingering sense of disappointment, period.

[rskinsfan10]

I feel that the officiating was bad.
Did it affect the outcome of the game?
We'll never know for sure.My sentiments also.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

the only call i thought was questionable was ben's TD and even that was too close to call. i only wish the holding calls were made when we played the hawks. :rolleyes:

[silverspring]

I thought there were a few calls that were quite questionable.

Every angle that I looked at it seemed to show that Ben clearly didn't get that TD. And that was a game changer for both teams. Seattle made an amazing stand. They stopped the bus twice on the goal line and then the qb sneak. This was a game changer imo, if the steelers are stuck with the field goal seattle gets momentum and the steelers momentum is crushed.

The pass interference call in the endzone was legit although there was certainly a lot of contact before the push off from the DB.

The holding call was unnecessary and another game changer. Also the call on hasselback after the INT was pretty questionable.

The ball they called incomplete looked a lot more like a seattle fumble, but don't think this would have affected the game.

Either way seattle gave the game away. They dominated the steelers the 1st half but couldn't get the ball in the endzone. When you have to keep attempting 50 yard field goals it is a bad sign. Big ben often looked like he was playing 500 and kept giving seattle opportunities, they just couldn't close the deal. They should have been whooping up on the steelers by half time bad calls or not.

[RedskinsDave]

Like I posted in the other thread: the seahawks fans lost all right to complain when they compared this to 9-11.

Where'd that happen?

[akhhorus]

Where'd that happen?

http://hailredskins.com/vbforum/showpost.php?p=680049&postcount=295

They took it down, but still....

[flave1969]

My view.

Seahawks were poor and blew numerous chances and have no right to complain about the refs.

The holding calls were holding as far as I could see.

Two seconds before D Jackson pushes off the Pittsburgh defender definately places two hands on D Jackson. Considering how many marginal illegal contact calls are made I am surprised nothing was called.

That said why does it take the Ref a full three seconds to throw the flag? You would think that he would be reaching for the flag the minute Jackson pushes off. It took to long and two seconds of squaking from the Pittsburgh defender before he throws it. Penalty flags have got to be more concisely thrown. The catches out of bounds were really well called, I thought the first one was a TD, that was good refereeing.

I hate that referees call TD when they cannot possibly be sure the plain was broken. A side judge simply could not tell if Ben conclusively broke the plain, so why call TD. No replay conclusively shows he did get in. Once that TD is called replays have to be conclusive to overturn it. I am sorry but IMO a TD should be beyond doubt, they are so important in the context of a game, they must be totally conclusive. That TD was not conclusive and should not have been called. I am sick of seeing it.

[smoak]

Like I posted in the other thread: the seahawks fans lost all right to complain when they compared this to 9-11.

But was that one idiot? I can't imagine an entire fanbase would be so stupid.

Here are 10 thinings I think I think after Super Bowl weekend:

1. Peter King is an idiot.

2. If I were a Seattle fan, I'd feel a little cheated.

3. Peter King is an idiot.

4. If I were a Seattle fan I'd be more upset with Jerremy Stevens than the officiating.

5. Peter King is an idiot.

6. If I were a Seattle fan I'd be upset with the offensive coaching staff and game plan.

7. Peter King is an idiot.

8. I like coffee and highschool girls field hockey. (wipes drool)

9. If I were a Seattle fan I'd prepare for life without Shaun Alexander.

10. Peter King is an idiot.

[akhhorus]

My view.

Seahawks were poor and blew numerous chances and have no right to complain about the refs.

The holding calls were holding as far as I could see.

Two seconds before D Jackson pushes off the Pittsburgh defender definately places two hands on D Jackson. Considering how many marginal illegal contact calls are made I am surprised nothing was called.

That said why does it take the Ref a full three seconds to throw the flag? You would think that he would be reaching for the flag the minute Jackson pushes off. It took to long and two seconds of squaking from the Pittsburgh defender before he throws it. Penalty flags have got to be more concisely thrown. The catches out of bounds were really well called, I thought the first one was a TD, that was good refereeing.

Actually Flave, the ref immediately reached for the flag on the OPI call-but he missed it and had to grab it again. Watch the replay. He immediately reached for his flag.

[akhhorus]

But was that one idiot? I can't imagine an entire fanbase would be so stupid.

The thread I saw, there were a couple fans who agreed with it. The fact that they would stoop that low.....

[ryflan47]

I don't remember who on the Seahawks it was, but Hass threw a beauty bomb, and the reciever got 1 foot down in bounds. His second foot hit the pylon. The pylon stretches to infinity. Should have been a touchdown.

[RedskinsDave]

The thread I saw, there were a couple fans who agreed with it. The fact that they would stoop that low.....

Shows that many folks on the left coast just don't get it and don't have to fear the same things we do. Tools.

[fent]

I don't remember who on the Seahawks it was, but Hass threw a beauty bomb, and the reciever got 1 foot down in bounds. His second foot hit the pylon. The pylon stretches to infinity. Should have been a touchdown.

no, jackson was correctly credited with no catch because he NEVER had 2 feet inbounds so it wasn't a catch. the position of the pylon only comes into play if he establishes posession, since he didn't posess the ball then get both feet down, the pylon doesn't matter.

[redskin_rich]

I don't remember who on the Seahawks it was, but Hass threw a beauty bomb, and the reciever got 1 foot down in bounds. His second foot hit the pylon. The pylon stretches to infinity. Should have been a touchdown.
Wrong, watch again, D-Jack's foot steps out of bounds then kicks the pylon.

[fent]

Wrong, watch again, D-Jack's foot steps out of bounds then kicks the pylon.

even if it had been the other way around (pylon then sideline), it wouldn't have mattered.

[dj_stouty]

LOL...6,643 people have signed the following petition to the NFL...

http://new.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?nfl12006

Give me a break...

[redskin_rich]

even if it had been the other way around (pylon then sideline), it wouldn't have mattered.
I know, I was just going on Ryflan's angle of the argument.

[fent]

LOL...6,643 people have signed the following petition to the NFL...

http://new.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?nfl12006

Give me a break...

half of them are people that signed it just so they could bash the "real" signers. that's awesome.

[chrisbcbu]

I don't remember who on the Seahawks it was, but Hass threw a beauty bomb, and the reciever got 1 foot down in bounds. His second foot hit the pylon. The pylon stretches to infinity. Should have been a touchdown.

But you have to COMPLETE a catch. In completing a catch you must have 2 feet in bounds. Then the rule of the pylon will go into affect. And since he kicked the pylon and didnt complete the catch he was ruled out of bounds.

[LATrueRedskin]

I didn't think there was a problem with the officiating at all. Darrell Jackson clearly pushed off (I don't even know why there's a debate about that one), the holding call was legit, and Big Ben's TD could have gone either way IMO. I think Hasslebeck's knee shot after his INT was a little ticky-tacky, but that's about it.

[SkinsASchamps]

I didnt think it was that bad. Seems like an excuse and something to dwell on because the game was so boring...

[CornerBlitz]

I think the officiating was horrible. Ok Ben probally got some tip of the ball across the endzone so that call was fine. The Darrell Jackson pushing off call was bogus though, Steve Young and Michael Irvin even agreed because every single wide reciever in the NFL uses that and I dont think that Jackson actually "pushed" the DB and caused him to not make the play. Another horrible call was on Matt Hasselbeck when he threw the interception and made a great tackle and was called for chop blocking?! I agree with everyone that said Seattle still should have overcome the officiating but I think it was completely one-sided.

[fent]

for everyone that's complaining about the tackle called on Hasselbeck, that's written into the rules. on a change of posession such as a fumble or an interception it is specifically listed in the rules as illegal to tackle below the knee. that call was made in our favor against someone late in the season...Arizona i believe.

[techskinsfan]

for everyone that's complaining about the tackle called on Hasselbeck, that's written into the rules. on a change of posession such as a fumble or an interception it is specifically listed in the rules as illegal to tackle below the knee. that call was made in our favor against someone late in the season...Arizona i believe.
hmm i was unaware that that was the rule...interesting thanks

[fent]

hmm i was unaware that that was the rule...interesting thanks

i may have my terminology off a bit, but i know that this isn't some new rule that the officials threw out there just for this game.

[GWBlitzST]

Just the way the calls were made, though, was like the officials really didn't want the Seahawks in the game. The holding calls that the head official was making were audible on the television he was slapping his wrist so hard. Again, I'm not complaining because I don't care, but I do sympathize with the lame Seahawks fans on this one instance. Every big play they made you just knew was coming back. Oh well, suck it Seattle, and now Dallas is in a 3 way tie for most championships. Good day all around.

[828791Redskins]

i may have my terminology off a bit, but i know that this isn't some new rule that the officials threw out there just for this game.

Yeah but you don't bring it out in such a big game. The Jackson Pushoff was crap, the corner had his hands on him and that's just as big. The holding calls are calls that could be called on every play and seemed alittle weak. Same calls could have been called on Pittsburg. It just seemed all the calls went to the Steelers. Still the Seahawks lost because of Jeremy Stevens.

[fent]

Just the way the calls were made, though, was like the officials really didn't want the Seahawks in the game. The holding calls that the head official was making were audible on the television he was slapping his wrist so hard. Again, I'm not complaining because I don't care, but I do sympathize with the lame Seahawks fans on this one instance. Every big play they made you just knew was coming back. Oh well, suck it Seattle, and now Dallas is in a 3 way tie for most championships. Good day all around.

that's typical of his style. much like hochuli wearing his shirt too tight and accentuating his first down call just to show off his guns.

[fent]

Yeah but you don't bring it out in such a big game. The Jackson Pushoff was crap, the corner had his hands on him and that's just as big. The holding calls are calls that could be called on every play and seemed alittle weak. Same calls could have been called on Pittsburg. It just seemed all the calls went to the Steelers. Still the Seahawks lost because of Jeremy Stevens.

changing the officiating just because it's the super bowl is just as bad as if the officials really did act in favor of one team. the one call on the stevens play is so obvious that calling it weak points out that you haven't seen the replay. locklear hooked him around the neck and then rode him to the ground. it was pretty obvious what he did was a hold.

[828791Redskins]

changing the officiating just because it's the super bowl is just as bad as if the officials really did act in favor of one team. the one call on the stevens play is so obvious that calling it weak points out that you haven't seen the replay. locklear hooked him around the neck and then rode him to the ground. it was pretty obvious what he did was a hold.

I really just can't believe the rule.You can't tackle a guy while diving past another? Insane! I'm not talking about the Stevens reception to the two but there were other weak calls.

[fent]

I really just can't believe the rule.You can't tackle a guy while diving past another? Insane! I'm not talking about the Stevens reception to the two but there were other weak calls.

the reason for the rule is the same as the crackback and other illegal blocks. way to easy to get seriously injured.

[HAWGZHEAD]

Every angle that I looked at it seemed to show that Ben clearly didn't get that TD. And that was a game changer for both teams. Seattle made an amazing stand. They stopped the bus twice on the goal line and then the qb sneak. This was a game changer imo, if the steelers are stuck with the field goal seattle gets momentum and the steelers momentum is crushed.

I am almost 100 percent certain Cowher would have gone for it from the one centimeter line and scored anyway. From the angle I saw the ball nipped the line, the problem was by the time ABC froze the frame the moment when the ball broke had passed.

[lakeskin]

for everyone that's complaining about the tackle called on Hasselbeck, that's written into the rules. on a change of posession such as a fumble or an interception it is specifically listed in the rules as illegal to tackle below the knee. that call was made in our favor against someone late in the season...Arizona i believe.

The penalty against Hassleback was for engaging a blocker below the waist. What the official didnt take into account was that Matt was going after the runner and not the blocker.

There is now way that there is a rule where you cant TACKLE a guy below the knees. So if a lineman grabs the foot of a passing CB on an interception return, then its a 15 yarder? It's football. unless you're grabbing his facemask then you can tackle him, head to toe.

[rskinsfan10]

The penalty against Hassleback was for engaging a blocker below the waist. What the official didnt take into account was that Matt was going after the runner and not the blocker.

There is now way that there is a rule where you cant TACKLE a guy below the knees. So if a lineman grabs the foot of a passing CB on an interception return, then its a 15 yarder? It's football. unless you're grabbing his facemask then you can tackle him, head to toe.Yeah, I was about to post something along those lines.

[HAWGZHEAD]

I saw it again last night an it has further solidified my belief that the Horsecollar penalty will never be inforced unless there is an injury. Why even have the rule if they are only gonna use it in the aftermath? Has there ever even been a horse collar called since TO got injured?

[hail2skins]

The penalty against Hassleback was for engaging a blocker below the waist. What the official didnt take into account was that Matt was going after the runner and not the blocker.

There is now way that there is a rule where you cant TACKLE a guy below the knees. So if a lineman grabs the foot of a passing CB on an interception return, then its a 15 yarder? It's football. unless you're grabbing his facemask then you can tackle him, head to toe.I thought they addressed this and said you can't block a blocker under the knee but you can with the person with the ball. I don't know the difference but I believe I heard them say that.

[akhhorus]

I saw it again last night an it has further solidified my belief that the Horsecollar penalty will never be inforced unless there is an injury. Why even have the rule if they are only gonna use it in the aftermath? Has there ever even been a horse collar called since TO got injured?

The rule is frankly ridiculous the way it is. You have to clearly grab the shoulder pads and pull it back.

Holmgren, at the rally today at Qwest field, whined about the refs. Real Classy there mike.

[akhhorus]

The penalty against Hassleback was for engaging a blocker below the waist. What the official didnt take into account was that Matt was going after the runner and not the blocker.

There is now way that there is a rule where you cant TACKLE a guy below the knees. So if a lineman grabs the foot of a passing CB on an interception return, then its a 15 yarder? It's football. unless you're grabbing his facemask then you can tackle him, head to toe.

This is really the only call I didn't get, but would it have meant an 11 point difference? The Hawks couldn't stop the Steelers on the ensuing drive and the Steelers scored the final points of the game.

[rskinsfan10]

I thought they addressed this and said you can't block a blocker under the knee but you can with the person with the ball. I don't know the difference but I believe I heard them say that.That is the rule, but they seemed to ignore that he was making the tackle, not trying to engage the blocker.

[hail2skins]

That is the rule, but they seemed to ignore that he was making the tackle, not trying to engage the blocker.I'm trying to remember the play. Was there a blocker in front of him? I really don't care one way or the other. We got robbed a lot and it's nice for another team to experience what we experienced.

[akhhorus]

I'm trying to remember the play. Was there a blocker in front of him? I really don't care one way or the other. We got robbed a lot and it's nice for another team to experience what we experienced.

The ball carrier had a guy on either side of him. Hasselback did the "I'm not athletic enough to actually tackle someone" tackle and dove in front of all of them. I believe he ended up hitting the guy on the right of the ball carrier and thats what's they called Hasselback for.

[rskinsfan10]

I'm trying to remember the play. Was there a blocker in front of him? I really don't care one way or the other. We got robbed a lot and it's nice for another team to experience what we experienced.I actually do care, because if they will cheat another team so blatantly in the SB for the world to see, then I don't expect things to get any better for us anytime soon.

[Axegrinder]

I actually do care, because if they will cheat another team so blatantly in the SB for the world to see, then I don't expect things to get any better for us anytime soon.
And just for the record,those weren't flags the officials were throwing....
they were "terrible towels"!

[J-Rod]

"I'm not athletic enough to actually tackle someone" tackle and dove in front of all of them.

With 500+ lbs running in front of the ball carrier what in the world would you have done? It was a gutsy play on his part and I applaud him for showing some b@lls that most QBs around the league couldn't or more than likely wouldn't even carry around. Not athletic enough?...He is in the NFL...

[fent]

With 500+ lbs running in front of the ball carrier what in the world would you have done? It was a gutsy play on his part and I applaud him for showing some b@lls that most QBs around the league couldn't or more than likely wouldn't even carry around. Not athletic enough?...He is in the NFL...

he's in the NFL, but i don't think anyone would make the mistake of saying he has the raw athletic ability of say, Sean Taylor, Terrell Owens, or an LT.

[hail2skins]

It will be interesting to see if Holmgren gets fined for comments at the Hawks rally.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs05/news/story?id=2321636

[J-Rod]

he's in the NFL, but i don't think anyone would make the mistake of saying he has the raw athletic ability of say, Sean Taylor, Terrell Owens, or an LT.

And how many CBs do we see taking on lead blocks that exact same way? Does that make them less athletic than the guards, FBs, etc that they are doing it to?

I don't want to argue athletic ability, we all know the ones you mentioned are more "gifted" than Hasselbeck. I'm just saying that he made a good, athletic play that many in his position couldn't or wouldn't do and he should in no way be berrated for doing such.

[hail2skins]

I actually do care, because if they will cheat another team so blatantly in the SB for the world to see, then I don't expect things to get any better for us anytime soon.Good point.

[hail2skins]

And just for the record,those weren't flags the officials were throwing....
they were "terrible towels"!Now this is funny.

[PyroGenic]

Did anybody see that ref take off his hat and jump in that dog pile? I though the guy lost it and was about to start swinging. Madden said something about the refs being the first ones to break it up but this guy jumped in there and looked berserk. I think it was in the 4th quarter.

[fent]

And how many CBs do we see taking on lead blocks that exact same way? Does that make them less athletic than the guards, FBs, etc that they are doing it to?

I don't want to argue athletic ability, we all know the ones you mentioned are more "gifted" than Hasselbeck. I'm just saying that he made a good, athletic play that many in his position couldn't or wouldn't do and he should in no way be berrated for doing such.

no one is berating him...

[smoak]

And just for the record,those weren't flags the officials were throwing....
they were "terrible towels"!

LMAO!!! I heard on the radio that the back judge was a Pittsburgh native.

[JakeIron]

Ok folks, here's my list:

1. D. Jackson allowed the ref to throw the flag, I've seen the play nów for 10 times and I still would flag him. I've played the game long enough to know that as a WR you just don't do that in front of the ref.

2. The holds were correct

3. Big Ben might not have scored, however it's way too close to overturn( it was called a TD on the field)

4. The personal on Matt Hasselbeck after the INT was ridiculous, however had he hit the blocker in front of the returner it would have been correct.

5. Jerramy Stevens fumbled the ball early in the game and it was called the seahawks way(incomplete pass).

This is all I can think of, I agree the refs did not do a great job but I still think the seahawks' players lost the game themselves. IMO blaming the refs is just stupid. Sorry Seattle, next time just play better !

[smoak]

Ok folks, here's my list:

1. D. Jackson allowed the ref to throw the flag, I've seen the play nów for 10 times and I still would flag him. I've played the game long enough to know that as a WR you just don't do that in front of the ref.

2. The holds were correct

3. Big Ben might not have scored, however it's way too close to overturn( it was called a TD on the field)

4. The personal on Matt Hasselbeck after the INT was ridiculous, however had he hit the blocker in front of the returner it would have been correct.

5. Jerramy Stevens fumbled the ball early in the game and it was called the seahawks way(incomplete pass).

This is all I can think of, I agree the refs did not do a great job but I still think the seahawks' players lost the game themselves. IMO blaming the refs is just stupid. Sorry Seattle, next time just play better !

1, My issue with the PI is that the ref seemed to call what appeared to be contact initiated by the Steeler defender ONLY after the player turned and started whining.

2. From the original broadcast, the one hold appeared to be a joke IMO. Akh said there was a better angle on NFLC and I beleive him on that one.

3. Again, my problem is the ref is clearly running in to spot the ball and then on his way (well after the play is dead), calls a TD. If a ref did that to the Skins, I would be livid to no end. I agree that the replay was not enough to over rule the call on the field either way, but I didn't think he got in at all. I also do not think Cowher goes for it as some have said. The Steelers were having trouble running the ball and could potentially be going into half time down 3-0. I got for it, but most coaches kck the FG.

4. No argument here. He may have contacted a blocker below the waist, but it was in the process of making a tackle.

5. I absolutely agree and IMMEDIATELY yelled "fumble" on that one.

[dj_stouty]

5. I absolutely agree and IMMEDIATELY yelled "fumble" on that one.

Interesting that I haven't heard the Seahawks fans complaining about that call. :D

[Axegrinder]

Interesting that I haven't heard the Seahawks fans complaining about that call. :D
As you know,I'm not a SeaHawks fan,but that looked like a fumble.
However, it went out of bounds a few yards ahead.
It would have been advantage:Seattle.

[fent]

1, My issue with the PI is that the ref seemed to call what appeared to be contact initiated by the Steeler defender ONLY after the player turned and started whining.

go back and watch the replay...he reaches for his flag almost immediately but misses it. his arm swings out like he's throwing it, he realizes he doesn't have it and reaches back to get the flag.

[smoak]

go back and watch the replay...he reaches for his flag almost immediately but misses it. his arm swings out like he's throwing it, he realizes he doesn't have it and reaches back to get the flag.

I'll take your word as I have seen no replays. And didn't the db initiate contact though?

Dan Patrick just played the clip of Big Ben on Letterman saying he didn't think he got in and they were going to run the same play again.

[hail2skins]

go back and watch the replay...he reaches for his flag almost immediately but misses it. his arm swings out like he's throwing it, he realizes he doesn't have it and reaches back to get the flag.This is correct. He instantly went to throw his flag but missed it.

[fent]

I'll take your word as I have seen no replays. And didn't the db initiate contact though?
Dan Patrick just played the clip of Big Ben on Letterman saying he didn't think he got in and they were going to run the same play again.

i don't know specifically. if i remember correctly, the DB had outside position and Jackson tried to cut to the corner and ran into him more than anything...then the arm was extended and the flag came out.

[darkwing99]

ok
1. the incomplete by stevens was a FUMBLE, he had control 2 feet down, took 2 steps, and was moving on, then got hit. Fumble

2. The push off by Jackson, was a offensive P.I. because when he pushed off he gained an offensive advantage, by pushing the DB off . P.I

3. The holding call on Locklear, good call. comon he almost rode Haggans into the ground with his hand still holding Haggans jersey almost into the ground. They have always been getting away with it, finally it gets called and seahawk fans are bitching please.

4. The Rothelsberger TD was a TD, he broke the goal plane in the air. When he was coming down was then pushed back out. TD

That is all I got to say. Tired of all these sportcasters whining, claiming all the calls were wrong, and broke the spirit of the seahawk players, total horse crap, IMHO.

[BurgundyNGold]

ok
1. the incomplete by stevens was a FUMBLE, he had control 2 feet down, yook 2 steps, ans was moving on, then got hit. Fumble

2. The push off by Jackson, was a offensive P.I. because when he pushed off he gained an offensive advantage, by pushing the DB off . P.I

3. The holding call on Locklear, good call. comon he almost rode Haggans into the ground with his hand still holding Haggans jersey almost into the ground. They have always been getting away with it, finally it gets called and seahawk fans are bitching please.

4. The Rothelsberger TD was a TD, he broke the goal plane in the air. When he was coming down was then pushed back out. TD

That is all I got to say. Tired of all these sportcasters whining, claiming all the calls were wrong, and broke the spirit of the seahawk players, total horse crap, IMHO.
Great post. I'm tired of hearing about the offensive PI on Jackson. It was obvious. The only person who might debate that is Michael Irvin and that would be because of the combination of him making a career out of that very maneuver and him being on crack when he saw the play.

[rskinsfan10]

On the holding call on Locklear, which I don't think was a hold, why isn't anyone mentioning that it appeared as if Haggans jumped offsides?

[BurgundyNGold]

On the holding call on Locklear, which I don't think was a hold, why isn't anyone mentioning that it appeared as if Haggans jumped offsides?
I might not've seen that one. Anyway, I think that Hasselbeck's chuck blocking call on the tackle after the INT was one of the worst calls I've ever seen.

[rskinsfan10]

4. The Rothelsberger TD was a TD, he broke the goal plane in the air. When he was coming down was then pushed back out. TDThere was a pic in the Post from another angle that showed him not getting in as you say. Also, he said as much on Letterman last night.

[rskinsfan10]

I might not've seen that one. Anyway, I think that Hasselbeck's chuck blocking call on the tackle after the INT was one of the worst calls I've ever seen.If he wasn't offside, then that was one of the greatest anticipation of the snap count in the history of football.

[BurgundyNGold]

There was a pic in the Post from another angle that showed him not getting in as you say. Also, he said as much on Letterman last night.
I didn't see how he got in on the replays that I saw, but I might not've seen all of the replays at that point. I was cooking a big ol' rotisserie chicken so I had other priorities. :)

[rskinsfan10]

I didn't see how he got in on the replays that I saw, but I might not've seen all of the replays at that point. I was cooking a big ol' rotisserie chicken so I had other priorities. :)Yeah, I never thought that he got in, and that pic that was in the Post pretty much confirmed it as far as I'm concerened.

Did you honey glaze that chicken?

[darkwing99]

I am just tired, it looked like he broke the plane in the air to me, but ahh who cares I am tired and this whole thing sucks anyways. It did look like Haggans jumped offsides though. Oh well.

[BurgundyNGold]

Yeah, I never thought that he got in, and that pic that was in the Post pretty much confirmed it as far as I'm concerened.

Did you honey glaze that chicken?
No, I'm not that sophisticated. I just made a thyme, salt and pepper rub and then injected the chicken with a lime-tequila blend. I almost passed out after eating it, lol.

[redskin_rich]

I didn't see how he got in on the replays that I saw, but I might not've seen all of the replays at that point. I was cooking a big ol' rotisserie chicken so I had other priorities. :)
At least you had your priorities straight!

Food >>>>>> boring, sloppy football game.

[rskinsfan10]

No, I'm not that sophisticated. I just made a thyme, salt and pepper rub and then injected the chicken with a lime-tequila blend. I almost passed out after eating it, lol.Nothing wrong with getting drunk while eating. During football season that's usually referred to as tailgating.

[GWBlitzST]

Interesting that I haven't heard the Seahawks fans complaining about that call. :DThat's because that occurred on third down, and the Hawks had to punt the next play anyway. It amounted to about a 5 yard difference in where the Steelers' took over possession. Again, suck it Seahawks, but I really don't know how people could watch that game and not feel like it was being called a little one-sided.

That play by Big Ben, though, where he danced down the 40 yard line, was in itself worth watching the game for. Amazing.

[akhhorus]

On the holding call on Locklear, which I don't think was a hold, why isn't anyone mentioning that it appeared as if Haggans jumped offsides?

From the angle they showed, from the back, where you can't see the hold, it looks like Haggans jumped offsides. From the side, where you can see the hold, you can see Haggans just pop in the air a nano-second before Hasselback snaps the ball.

[helimech24]

No, I'm not that sophisticated. I just made a thyme, salt and pepper rub and then injected the chicken with a lime-tequila blend. I almost passed out after eating it, lol.That sounds like good eats to me buddy.