2/3 on my Predictions for the CB

[SammyBlue]

www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=215x33025

Correct on: Winner and Over/Under
Wrong on: Spread (Pittsburgh beat the -4.5 spread)

I was wrong on my MVP vote, but that's not a game prediction.

BTW, I am not a fan of either team (Buffalo fan), but it was very apparent that the NFL did not want Seattle to win!

Three calls that were bogus:

1. The offensive pass interference in the endzone by Seattle;
2. At least three of the Holding calls (Holding is VERY subjective)
3. Pittsburgh's first TD (I guess the Ref decided on the inconclusive route. HE didn't even explain his decision, which I believe should go from customary to mandatory. Explain how you come to your decision, not just say "After reviewing the play, the ruling on the field stands.")

This was supposed to be a good Super Bowl. . .this was disgusting! It showed the Refs in the NFL have gotten beyond horrible and destroyed the idea that the Refs don't change the face or outcome of the game.

Other than that, enjoy the Thumb, Steeler fans. . .it took you 26 years to get it.

[Ravenseye]

1. Thanks, We'll definately enjoy it

I wish there could have been less controversy, but in a year or two it's not going to be remembered as anythign other than a footnote on 'referee blunder' websites.

Myself, though I didn't post my predictions, was nearly 100% for the playoffs. The only missed call was the Pats/Broncos result.

I had Pittsburgh beating the spread and the under, and predicted Pittsburgh would win by about 10 points. Not too shabby.

The calls though....
1) It most definately was Offensive Pass Interference. There were bogus calls, but this was not one of them. He pushed off the defender, which actually moved the defender, and then went the opposite direction. This is explicitly laid out in the rules as what Offensive Pass interference is. People who claim that the flag was late and only thrown after the DB complained need to look at the tape. The Ref immediately pulled for the flag and whiped it out, but did it so fast, the flag stayed in his pocket. Seriously, go watch it. He then had to go back down and grab it again and whip it out. There was no delay on his part, and it most certainly was pass interference.

2) Only one of the Holding calls was actually week. In one of them the OL actually brought the DL to the ground. The one that is brought up the most though is where it negated the play to the 1 yard line, leading in two plays to the long third down interecption by the Steelers. In that play looking at the tape you can see that he did in fact grab the jersey of the steelers player and brough his arm around his shoulder. It was more of an attempted hold though, than an actual hold, as I don't think it even slowed the defender. Still he did grab the jersey, so while a weak call, not a bogus one.

3) As far as the TD goes, I think the referees made a few mistakes here. Firstly, the ref who called the touchdown initially had his one arm up to spot, then brought up the TD sign. I think he didn't want to actually make the call, and specifically avoided making a call to send it up to Instant Replay. That's crap right there. If your call is no TD, do it. Knowing the Steelers there is a good chance they would have gone for it on 4th and an inch and probably picked up the TD anyway, and this wouldn't be a topic of conversation. Secondly, when he came back to explain the ruling....he didin't. He should have said that the ball crossed the plane, or something. That was inexcusable. With that said though, from my DVR HDTV recording, going frame by frame it looks to me like the ball broke the plane, albeit breifly and barely. That's all it takes though. As he was coming down, right before he was hit, the ball broke the plane. Then the hit on the ball and him forced him back. The ball didn't break the plane on the ground, but in the air, which still counts.

I think that the Refs in the NFL have gotten very bad of late though, and alot of it seems to be that they second guess themselves constantly, and even in this case rely on instant replay to make up their minds for them. Ah well.

I'll take the win.