This Isn't Rocket Science

September 14, 2019

There are jobs in this country that are so difficult and complex that they require years of education and preparation in order to be successful. Quantum physicists worked for years to develop semiconductor transistors, the foundation of modern microprocessors which drive every computer we interact with today. Air traffic controllers monitor hundreds of flights at a time and provide a safe, orderly, and expeditious air traffic system, literally preventing our planes from colliding in mid-air. Environmental scientists spend their entire careers attempting to preserve natural wonders such as the oxygen-producing Amazon rain forest in order to protect the environment and human health. These are just a few examples of professions and career fields that require high cognitive ability and critical thinking skills. Being an NFL referee is not one of them. I am simply amazed week in and week out, at how a small group of individuals in stripes can repeatedly turn the most simplistic of jobs into an absolute quagmire. Following the yellow tape crime scene that was the NFC Championship game, in which the Saints were had, were took, hoodwinked, bamboozled, lead astray, and run amok, surely the league would address the lack of competency in the part-timers they ask to serve as referees. But no. Eight months later, in the very first game played in the Superdome since the botched pass interference call that cost the Saints a trip to the Super Bowl, the referees commit another egregious error that impacted the game and quite possibly could have resulted in another loss for the Saints, had Will Lutz not snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a huge 58 yard kick. During the final drive of the first half, the referees failed to reset the game clock properly to 41 seconds, leaving it incorrectly at 26 ticks to go. This erroneous decision cost the Saints precious time in the hurry-up drive, ultimately forcing them to attempt a 56 yard field goal which Lutz missed. Fortunately for the Saints, NFL Senior Vice President of Officiating Al Riveron, admitted that the officials made an error and the Saints should have had 15 more seconds to work with. Well isn't that nice. The bottom line is this, the correct call needs to be made on the field. Whether that is by the referees on the field, officials in the press box, or Mr. Al in New York. Somebody should be able to ensure the call is made and it shouldn't be the coach's responsibility to throw a red flag. Most of these controversial calls can be figured out by viewers at home in less than 2 minutes. Why is it so hard for the NFL? The NCAA uses a better system. No challenges, and all turnovers and scoring plays are reviewed automatically. This proves that it is possible to have every play reviewed by officials in the box that have the capability to notify the referees on the field that they have missed something important. I understand that some infractions will not be able to be reviewed on every down such as holding, but they need to get the big ones right. The most frustrating part about it is that the big ones are easy for the fans to see. Why not the referees?