While I didn't watch TNF last night, I certainly heard about and saw the video of the no call on Sam Darnold in the end zone.
In a world where the "refs did it" is a popular narrative, regardless of the facts, this no call has stirred up some controversy.
I'll start by noting that it absolutely looked like a blatant face mask, there is no question in my mind that it should have been called. Yet, it also played literally no part in the final outcome of the game.
What I find interesting is that this is clearly the type of play that could cause injury. In a league where player safety, and especially QB safety, is allegedly a priority this should have been called.
Ultimately, it comes down the the fact that the NFL doesn't care enough about the integrity of the game to hire full time officials, and/or hold officials publicly accountable for their mistakes. Which is too bad, because the NFL is hugely popular, and the poor officiating could potentially drive fans away.
4 comments:
I watched the game given the divisional implications for my team, and thus was pleased with the Rams win.
Not only did the QB's head...and then body...spin around in a manner typical of having one's face mask grabbed, the guy who did it trotted off in a posture which to me suggested he was aware of the infraction and expecting the flag to be thrown. He seemed liked he knew he erred and understood the ramifications of his error. I would imagine he was more surprised he wasn't flagged than the QB was.
Other than a desire to see a Chiefs/Vikings Super Bowl so I can hold out hope of a second SB win over the Vikes, I really don't have much invested in them or the game.
You are correct that it had every hallmark of a face mask, and probably should have been called. It's also problematic that it wasn't reviewable. Regardless of one's viewpoint of review in general, it seems like "player safety" things like this should be reviewable if they're serious about getting things correct.
It didn't change the outcome and Darnold seems fine, but it's much more about the bad/inconsistent officiating than this missed call.
I don't quite get why it wasn't reviewable in light of the concerns for player safety.
I would also say that it only had "hallmarks" of a face mask until one saw the replay, where the grab was plainly seen. From what I recall, there was a ref looking in the direction of the QB when the penalty occurred. It stands as one of the worst non-calls I've ever personally witnessed. Normal humans simply don't spin around like that...with the head spinning first before the rest of the body...unless they're dancing.
I'm not a big fan of review, but the things they can't review make no sense to me. I agree that in light of their alleged concern for player safety and for keeping QB's safe, it makes no sense that it wasn't called, or singled out for a fine.
Again, from certain angles it "only" had the hallmarks of a face mask, but aren't the hallmarks enough to throw the flag? What's weird is that had they thrown the flag they could have evaluated/conferenced maybe even reviewed it and picked up the flag if it wasn't there.
It makes no sense, and the lack of accountability of the officials makes it worse.
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