Conference Championship - Patriots @ Colts: Face Guarding is when a pass defender blindly (not looking back for the ball) throws up his arms in an attempt to block a pass or disrupt the receivers line of sight on the ball. Someone should notify officials that there is no rule against Face Guarding in the NFL. So when Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs was called for a Face Guarding pass interference late in the 3rd quarter; in reality, it was NFL Officials giving a late Christmas gift to the Colts in the form of a first and goal at the one yard line. But the NFL will remind us fans that they're right 98% of the time, or whatever the latest bogus claim is. Fact...a free trip to the one yard line in a tight conference championship game directly impacts the outcome. Sure would be nice to have big games decided by the players, not the officials.

Conference Championship - Saints @ Bears: Double standards are one of the biggest problems in officiating. For example, when Saints QB Drew Brees was flagged for intentional grounding in the end zone, the ruling was correct. But why was Bears QB Rex Grossman allowed to get away with the exact same thing on the following series? Granted, it was an incompletion on 3rd and long, but the penalty should have been called. Just as unacceptable was the imaginary offensive pass interference call against Saints receiver Terrance Cooper early in the second quarter. Cooper made little contact, and certainly did not push off the defender. The official who threw the flag was behind the defense in no position to make the call. Again, let the players decide the outcome!

Divisional Playoffs - Colts @ Ravens: Overall, I believe the officials have done a pretty good job through the playoffs. That said, Head Referee Bill Leavy (yes, the same Bill Leavy that screwed the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL) and crew continue to be the exception to the rule.

I've written numerous times about letting players decide the outcome of games, yet some officials can't wait to toss the flag. With Baltimore trailing 12-3 late in the 3rd, the Ravens had a promising drive moving inside the Colts 40 yard line. Then along came the officials. Tackle Jonathan Ogden was flagged for a ticky-tack, drive killing, holding call that halted the Ravens. Announcer Dan Dierdorf described the call as "pretty lame". Indeed.

Lest you think I'm picking out an isolated incident of bad officiating, look no further than the 4th quarter interception by Baltimore's Ed Reed. At the time, the Ravens were down 12-6. Indy QB Peyton Manning went down field to WR Marvin Harrison, but Reed made a great pick at the sidelines. As he's falling out of bounds, Reed flips the ball to teammate Chris McAlister. McAlister heads down field only to hear the whistle blow the play dead, ruling Reed out of bounds after the interception. Replay clearly shows Reed was in bounds when he pitched the ball to McAlister. Unfortunately for the Ravens, a quick whistle killed what could have been a big return.

Bill Leavy and crew are routinely cited for mistakes and incompetence, yet continue to draw post season assignments. Just further proof that the NFL does not take officiating concerns seriously.

Divisional Playoffs - Patriots @ Chargers: It must be nice to be LaDanian Tomlinson. Not only is he the 2006 league MVP and holds the single season touchdown record, but he's also exempt from face mask penalties.

At the end of the 3rd Quarter, Chargers QB Phillip Rivers was intercepted on a pass intended for Tomlinson. Turned defender, Tomlinson made the tackle on the play, in part by grabbing the face mask of Patriots ball carrier Rosevelt Colvin. The flags flew, officials huddled and determined that Tomlinsons hand "slipped off" the face mask of Colvin, therefore it wasn't a penalty. Never mind replay showing Tomlinson grabbing the facemask. Never mind Tomlinson had his hand in Colvins face through the tackle.

I wonder is Colvin would have gotten away with a similar tackle of Tomlinson?

Wild Card Weekend - Giants at Eagles:  First off, credit where credit is due.  I thought overall the officials did a nice job this weekend.  They got several close calls correct after replay in the Cowboys-Seahawks matchup and were on target most of the weekend.  That said, I though the crew in Philadelphia made several mistakes. 

First, Eagles tackle Jon Runyan got away with two cheap shots because of an offsetting retailation shove by Giants nose tackle Barry Cofield.  Runyan was out of control on the play and the Eagles should have been penalized.  The Eagles also got away with a late hit on QB Eli Manning in the 4th quarter and the pass interference call on Eagles CB Sheldon Brown against Giants WR Plaxico Burress could have gone either way.  There was contact both ways.  I saw similar contact on several other plays that was not called.  Let's be consistent!

Week 17 - 49ers @ Broncos: Leading 20-16 in the 4th quarter and driving for more, Niner receiver Taylor Jacobs made a catch for a first down inside the Broncos 35 yard line. As Jacobs was tackled and hit the ground, the ball popped out and was recovered by Denver. San Francisco challenged the call as replay clearly showed the ground caused the fumble. Unfortunately for the 49ers, officiating incompetence emerged from under the replay hood. Despite the fact that Jacobs made a clean catch, took 3-4 steps with the ball, was tackled, and only lost the ball after hitting the ground, head referee Larry Nemmers ruled the pass incomplete.

Time and time again, officials are completely oblivious to the visual evidence we as fans see clearly. What's really frustrating is the blatant inconsistency with regards to rulings. Earlier in the day, Oakland Raiders receiver Johnny Morant made a similar catch and fumble. The ruling on Morant was correct, he fumbled the ball. Yet, Morant had no more possession of the ball before losing it than Jacobs. Both receivers made a clean catch, took 3-4 steps, then lost the ball. One is ruled incomplete, one is ruled a fumble.

Week 16 - Bengals @ Broncos: This weeks example of stupidity is based on the fact that NFL officials don't know what a foot on the line looks like. Early in the third quarter, Cincinnatti punted deep into Broncos territory. The ball was downed by Glenn Holt of the Bengals who's foot was clearly on the goal line. The ruling should have been touchback, but the ball was spotted at the one yard line. Hello? Replay? Cameras at the goal line? Officials with good vision? Good grief...

Week 16 - Patriots @ Jaguars:  What?  A controversial fumble ruling goes the way of ths Patriots in a big game?  No Way! 

With under two minutes remaining and the Pats leading 24-21, Jacksonville QB David Garrard is hit while scrambling.  The ball rolled forward and was recovered by the Patriots.  The play was reviewed automatically by officials, who upheld the original call of fumble despite the fact that replay clearly shows Garrards arm was coming forward as he was hit.  According to the NFL rulebook "When a Team A player is holding the ball to pass it forward, any intentional movement forward of his hand starts a forward pass. If a Team B player contacts the passer or the ball after forward movement begins, and the ball leaves the passer's hand, a forward pass is ruled, regardless of where the ball strikes the ground or a player."  But once again, officials see something different than the rest of us.  I believe it's time for the NFL to consider scrapping the entire replay system.  The whole process is time consuming, haphazard, and inconsistent.  I'd have better odds playing craps in Vegas than expecting an official review to be ruled correctly. 

Week 16 - Cardinals @ 49ers:  With the Cardinals leading 20-13 early in the 4th quarter, Arizona kicker Niel Rackers connected on a 37 yard field goal that appeared to be wide as it passed over the left upright.  Niners head coach Mike Nolan wanted to challenge the play but was told a field goal was not reviewable because the officials underneath the uprights presumably have the best view.  Couldn't that be said about almost any replay situation?  Again, perhaps it's time to consider scrapping the entire replay system.  The purpose of replay supposedly is to correct mistakes by the officials, but more and more it's a joke.  Some plays are reviewable, some are not.

The calls made after replay often do not coincide with the visual evidence.  Coaches are often screwed out of timeouts on bad replay calls.  Simply put, the current replay system sucks.

Week 15 - Buccaneers @ Bears:  In overtime, Bears QB Rex Grossman hit receiver Rashid Davis with a 28 yard completion to put the Bears in field goal range at the Bucs 20.  Ronde Barber, defending on the play, said it wasn't a catch and questioned why there wasn't a booth review.  "The fact that they want the game to be over and they don't feel like it needs to be reviewed, it's fine with me," Barber said. "But that ball hit the ground, man." Replays in overtime are instigated from the booth, not by coaches' challenges.  "If you are not going to make the call or you're scared to make the call, then what's the use of having replay in the first place?" Barber asked.  Maybe it was a catch, maybe it wasn't.  Is it asking too much for the officials to do their job and take a look?

Week 15 - 49ers @ Seahawks:  Late in the 4th and down by 10 points, Seattle QB Matt Hasselbeck heaved a long pass to WR Nate Burleson.  49er defender Shawntae Spencer shoved Burleson in the back and intercepted the pass, all but ending the Seahawks hopes for a comeback.  Personally, I thought the contact in the back was no big deal, but it definitely fell under the category of pass interference based on some of the ticky-tack interference calls often made by officials.

Flash back to Super Bowl XL when the Seahawks had a TD erased on a offensive pass interference call.  The contact by Spencer or Burleson was more egregious; however, no flag was thrown.  How about a little consistency in enforcement of the rules?

Week 13 - Colts @ Titans: With Indy trailing by 3 in the 4th Quarter, Colts Tight End Ben Utecht was flagged for offensive pass interference, nullifying a 2 yard touchdown pass. Utecht came off the line of scrimmage and made contact with Titans Safety Chris Hope in the end zone. Utecht gained separation from Hope, cut to the left corner and pulled in a pass from Manning. Indy settled for a game-tying field goal.

Dungy asked the officials for an explanation. He's still waiting for a suitable response."I didn't really get a good explanation on that,'' Dungy said. "I don't know what they saw.'' Again, the NFL and fans would benefit from officials who kept out of the action as opposed to tossing flags on every little infraction they think they saw.

Week 12 - Raiders @ Chargers:  Seems like every few seasons the Raiders wind up in a game where some obscure, preposterous ruling screws them in the end.  This years version of the "Tuck Rule" shall be known as the "Spin Job".

With Oakland leading 14-7 early in the 4th, the Chargers faced a 4th and 2 at the Raiders 40.  Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson fell down catching a 13-yard slant. Jackson stood and spun the ball forward in celebration even though he had not been ruled down by contact.

"That's what Plaxico Burress did against Jacksonville and they ruled that a fumble," cornerback Fabian Washington said, referring to a play in the 2000 season when Burress was with Pittsburgh.

The officials initially ruled it a fumble, then an illegal forward pass, then possession was returned to the Raiders, and finally given back to the Chargers as a first down with a 5 yard penalty for an illegal forward pass.

"I heard about three or four different stories in the course of that period," coach Art Shell said.  "I mean, who's ball is it?" Said Raiders QB Aaron Brooks. "Do you want to go back to the coin toss?"

As much as the play ticked me off, it was the correct call.  According to the NFL rulebook "an intentional fumble forward is a forward pass".  Yes, it's an asinine rule, but the officials were correct.  Will the rule change?  Only if the Raiders ever benefit from such a play.

Week 12 - Cardinals @ Vikings:  How difficult would it be for the NFL to place cameras at the goal line?  Just put a couple cameras on both sidelines at the goal line and watch the ball.  Perhaps then, officials might be able to make the correct call regarding a close touchdown or a turnover.  Case in point...with Minnesota comfortably ahead early in the 4th quarter, Viking running back Chester Taylor tried to squeeze into the end zone from a yard out.  Taylor was stuffed at the goal line and as he's down waiting for a whistle, the ball pops out and is returned 99 yards for a Cardinal's TD.

Taylor and coach Brad Childress both thought he had crossed the plane of the end zone before the ball popped out on a first-and-goal play. Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson returned for the fumble for a touchdown; Childress challenged the ruling, but referee Jerome Boger upheld the call.

"I guess they don't have [a camera] right on the end line," said Viking coach Ray Childress, "but I had a strong sense that he was either across the plane or was down before the ball came out. With only a minute [to watch replays] and whatever pictures they could get him, obviously Jerome didn't feel that way."

Week 12 - Packers @ Seahawks:  Packers trailing by three with just under 10 minutes to play, the Seahawks face a third and 9 at midfield.  Green Bay lineman Cullen Jenkins pressures QB Matt Hasslebeck and draws a flag on the incompletion for roughing the passer.  The problem?  Jenkings, while leaping to block the pass, hit Hasslebeck with his arms as he fell forward after the leap.  The Seahawk drive stays alive, they go on to score a TD, and the Packers are in trouble.  How many times have I seen a helmet to helmet, a late hit not called, yet something ticky tacky like this at a critical moment of the game draws a flag? 

Packer beat writer Chris Havel put it best..."Cullen Jenkins' roughing-the-passer penalty in the fourth quarter was as poor a call as you will see in that situation. Jenkins, the third-year defensive tackle, applied heavy pressure to Hasselbeck and forced him to throw an incompletion. However, the back judge determined Jenkins hit Hasselbeck in the back of the helmet. Replays showed it was a love tap, at best."

Week 10 - Ravens @ Titans: When is a fumble not a fumble? When an NFL official gets involved. With Tennessee leading 26-17 in the 3rd quarter, Ravens RB Mike Anderson was stripped of the ball. A scrum ensued and defensive tackle Robaire Smith emerged with the football. Unfortunately for the Titans, the officials ruled down by contact.

Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher challenged the play and replay CLEARLY showed Anderson had lost the ball before going down. The officials now changed their ruling, admitted there was a fumble, but claimed because they couldn't tell for sure who recovered the fumble, Baltimore maintained posession. To add insult to injury, Tennessee was charged a timeout for an upheld replay ruling.

When's the last time you saw a fumble and the officials decided they couldn't tell who recovered so they just gave the ball back to the offense?

So basically, the Titans force a fumble, recover it and wind up without the ball and lose a timeout because incompetent officials blew the call not once, but twice on the same play. Typical...

Week 10 - Broncos @ Raiders:  Who would have guessed the Raiders would get screwed by the officials?  I know, it's shocking.  I present the facts...

Raiders trailing 14-13 with under 5 minutes to play, Denver QB Jake Plummer is intercepted by Raider CB Fabian Washington along the sideline.  Washington comes down with full posession and both feet in bounds.  Washington is ruled out of bounds on the pick, thus; the Raiders challenge.  Despite clear, indisputable evidence Washington came down with both feet in bounds (replay as well as the divots Washington left in the turf), head referee Bill Leavy upholds the original call.  "It's clear that foot is in bounds" says one announcer.  "That's a pick" replies the color commentator. 

I'm still waiting to hear back from Mike Pereira, the NFL's Supervisor of Officials.  A call placed to his office has not been returned.  I supppose it takes time to develop the appropriate spin on a terrible call.

Week 10 - 49ers @ Lions:  And just as I though Bill Leavy was fast becoming the most incompetent referee in the NFL, along comes Walt Coleman.  Thanks again to Lonnie for the outstanding details and photos.

In the second quarter, the 49ers are facing a 3rd and 1 at the Lions 15.  Niner QB Alex Smith pitches back to Maurice Hicks, who is stopped a half yard short, then fumbles the ball.  Replays show forward progress stopped short of the fourteen, with the ball being fumbled and landing at the 14 1/2 yard line, recovered by Hicks right on the 14 yard line.  However, Hicks was ruled down by contact and no fumble.  If Hicks was down by contact at the 14 ½ yard line, how was the ball spotted as a first down at the 14 yard line, the spot where the non-fumble was recovered? 

Then, with about 8:30 left in second quarter, facing 3rd and 14, Detroit QB Jon Kitna throws a pass to Roy Williams, who is clearly interfered with by the 49ers’ Shawntae Spencer 20 yards downfield.  Said announcer Bill Maas “If I was Marinelli, I gotta be a little upset right now.  Take a look.  You tell me…. I think I know what constitutes pass interference.  But if this right here isn’t some of it?  Going through the receiver is one… making contact while the ball is in the air.. that would be two.”  Naturally, no call.

Now we finally reach the third quarter.  On the Lions’ first possession, Kitna is sacked by Shawntae Spencer and fumbles.  Replays show that Spencer hits Kitna and the ball moves slightly, then Kitna holds the ball firmly until he hits the ground flat on his back, then the ball comes out.  Coleman rules it a fumble.  Lost in all this is the fact that Spencer leads with the top of his head, then hits Kitna in the side of the head.  I though helmet-to-helmet, especially against a QB is illegal?

And for added measure, in the fourth quarter, SF faces 2nd and 9, the play clock runs down to ZERO before the snap, but no penalty is called.  And thus ends a typical day at the office for Walt Coleman and crew...

Week 9 - Falcons @ Lions:  I received a fantastic email from Lonnie about this game, complete with images... 

Let's start with the Lions' first drive.  The Lions are facing a 3rd & 6 from the Falcon 10 yard line.  Detroit WR Roy Williams is held by the Falcons’ Chris Crocker at the goal line, then is also interfered with in the end zone once the ball is in the air (notice left hand on Williams’ waist, turning him).  No flag was thrown.  Brian Baldinger, announcing the game, said, "Boy, I tell you what, he was held on the back side of that play.  That was interference in the end zone."

On Atlanta’s following drive, QB Michael Vick throws deep to Ashley Lelie, but Dre Bly has position in front of Lelie.  Lelie then proceeds to knock Dre Bly down from behind.  Lelie never turns to look for the ball until Bly is falling down.  No pass interference called.  Again, Baldinger agrees:  “But I think Dre Bly has a legitimate argument that that’s offensive pass interference.”

Week 9 - Vikings @ 49ers: Midway thru the 4th quarter and up 6-3, the 49ers lined up for a 51 yard field goal attempt. Kicker Joe Nedney nailed the field goal, but only after the 25 second play clock had expired. Officials threw the flag and it looked like San Francisco would have to punt. However, the Niners protested claiming that the 25 second play clock had reset at 2 seconds. After a few minutes head referee Ed Hochuli decided on a "do-over" and Nedney once again made the kick. In essence, the 49ers got out of a delay of game penalty.

Said Hochuli after the game "The kicker asked me to reset the clock and I said, 'No, we are not responsible for resetting the clock.' The back judge, who is responsible for the play clock, watched it. It got down to two seconds and then it went back up to 25 seconds. The back judge continued to count it the rest of the way down because he knew I had not reset the clock."

According to the NFL Rulebook (Rule 4, Section 1, Article 3) "The Line Judge shall be responsible for supervision of the timing and in case the stadium clock becomes inoperative, or for any reason is not being operated correctly, he shall take over the official timing on the field." Nowhere is there any mention of a do-over if the clock malfunctions.

Viking coach Brad Childress summed it up best..."Feels like home cooking to me."

Week 9 - Colts at Patriots: With the Colts up 17-14 and the Pats driving late in the first half, Patriot QB Tom Brady was stuffed on a 4th and 1 quarterback sneak near mid-field. Despite the fact that the live broadcast and television replay clearly showed Brady short of the first down, officials rushed in to signal first down without even a measurement. How it is even remotely possible the officials could give Brady a first down without measuring is incomprehensible. Even better, despite an official replay, the original call stood. "Astonishing", exclaimed announcer Al Michaels

Week 8 - Patriots @ Vikings: Far too often, officials refuse to admit a mistake despite clear cut, irrefutable visual evidence. For example, Patriots leading 24-7 midway thru the 3rd quarter, the Vikings are driving. Minnesota QB Brad Johnson connects with Tight End Jermaine Wiggins for a first down inside the Patriot 35-yard line. On the catch, Wiggins has full posession, takes three full steps, and turns to head downfield. As Wiggins is going down, the ball is stripped by the defense and rolls out of bounds. The correct call SHOULD have been first down at the spot where the ball rolled out of bounds. However, in the fantasy land where some NFL officials reside, the pass is ruled incomplete. Minnesota challenges, yet Referee Larry Nemmers upholds the original call. Minnesota's 4th down pass falls incomplete, and for all intents and purposes, the game is over.

Why does the NFL have replay? The more I see, the more obvious it becomes that the replay system is nothing more than a crap shoot. Time and again, officials still blow the call after replay. If you're incapable of making the correct call after watching a play in slow motion from numerous camera angles provided by millions of dollars in high tech video gear, you have no business officiating an NFL game.

Week 8 - Jets @ Browns: Trailing 20-13 with second remaining, Jets QB Chad Pennington aired one into the end zone where tight end Chris Baker made an amazing one-handed grab. As Baker was coming down, he was nailed by Cleveland DB Brodney Pool. Baker held onto the ball, as he landed out of bounds. Referee Mike Carey ruled incomplete, saying Baker could not have made the catch in bounds. Because it was a judgment call, the play is not reviewable under the NFL's instant replay system. Replays showed Baker making the catch and his right foot just about to land in bounds, a good couple feet in bounds at that. Granted, it's a judegement call, but replay clearly shows Baker likely would have landed in bounds. The officials blew the call by not ruling a force out.

Week 8 - Steelers @ Raiders: I expect the officials to screw up close calls, mis-interpret replay, and occasionally makeup or ignore the rules, but can't they at least keep track of the down? Case in point...Raiders leading 20-6 in the 4th quarter, Pittsburgh completes a short pass to setup a 3rd and 1. The scoreboard reads 3rd and 1 AND the sideline markers read 3rd and 1. Steeler RB Willie Parker get stuffed for a 2 yard loss, bringing up a 4th and 3. That is, until the officials step in and say it's really 2nd and 12 because the previous 3rd and 1 play was really first and 10. Huh?

Simply, the officials failed to track the markers or notify anyone that Pittsburgh had picked up a first down on the previous play. That or the Steelers didn't pick up the first down, but the officials changed their mind. Either way, it was a botched sequence by officials who failed to handle the most basic requirement of their job.

Week 7 - Cardinals @ Raiders: A fine example of officials seeing things completely different from the rest of the world. The Cardinals were beginning a drive at their own 20. Raider DE Derrick Burgess sacked quarterback Matt Leinart for a 10-yard loss on the first play. On the next play, defensive back Tyrone Poole broke through and sacked Leinart again, with the quarterback falling into the end zone for an apparent safety.But officials ruled the play dead just outside the end zone.

Coach Art Shell challenged the ruling, but it was upheld after officials said the first hit on Leinart was made outside the end zone. Replay shows Leinart standing at the goal line, leaning into the endzone as he's hit. The ball is breaking the plane of the goal line, just as is required for a TD, yet the officials stood fast to their original ruling.

Week 6 – Bengals @ Buccaneers:  With 2:58 remaining and Cincinnati leading 13-7, Bengals defensive tackle Justin Smith sacked Tampa QB Bruce Gradkowski, forcing a fumble which Cincinnati recovered.  Then along came the officials.  Referee Mike Carey ruled unnecessary roughness on the sack and retuned the ball to Tampa Bay.  The Buccaneers went on to score the game winning touchdown with just seconds remaining.

"I've never seen anything like that, to have the outcome changed like that," Smith said. "They're not supposed to change the outcome like that."  "I don't know," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. "I guess you have to cuddle him to the ground."

Week 6 – Seahawks @ Rams:  With 3:40 to play and Seattle leading 27-21, the Seahawks faced a third and 3 from the Rams 39 yard line.  A first down keeps the clock running and brings Seattle into field goal range. 

As the teams lined up for the snap, Rams defensive lineman Leonard Little jumps offside.  After he comes offside, Seattle QB Matt Hasslebeck turns to call time out.  As Hasslebeck calls timeout, the ball is snapped into the legs of Hasslebeck.  Based on the sequence of events, the Rams should have been flagged for offside as Little jumped across the line a full second before Seattle called timeout.  Instead of an automatic first down and an opportunity to run more time of the clock, the officials mistakenly award the timeout, despite the protests of Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren (no stranger to getting screwed by the officials). 

Seattle’s 3^rd down pass falls incomplete, the Rams go on to retake the lead, but in the end, the Seahawks wins a wild finish on a last second field goal.    

Week 4 - Browns @ Raiders: Trailing by 3 early in the 4th quarter, Raiders QB Andrew Walter hit WR Ronald Curry for a critical 3rd down, 16-yard gain to the Brown's 28-yard line. Unfortunately for Oakland, NFL officials are not only idiots, but visually impaired. Curry was spotted a foot short of the first down and a yard short of where he reached on the play. Raider coach Art Shell, an idiot in his own right, decided not to challenge and the Raiders were stuffed on 4th and short. The Raiders never threatened again and lost 24-21.

Week 3 - Eagles @ 49ers: Not that I lose any sleep when the 49ers get screwed, but a blown call is a blown call. Trailing 24-3 late in the 3rd quarter, 49er running back Frank Gore was nailed on a run near the Eagles goal line. Philadelphia lineman Mike Patterson picked up the loose football and rumbled 98 yards for a touchdown which broke the game wide open. Replay verified Gore did indeed fumble; however, replay also showed Patterson was down by contact when he picked up the ball. The 98-yard TD run was a gift, courtesy of Terry McAulay and crew. The NFL later apologized to the 49ers for blowing the fumble run back along with several other calls that resulted in 207 second half yards for the Eagles. I'd personally like the thank Terry McAulay and crew for providing so much useful material to this website.

Week 3 - Bears @ Vikings: They say it's the little things that make the difference between a win and a loss...things like a missed block or a dropped pass. Unfortunately, far too often it's the little things the officials do that impact the final score. Case in point, the 2nd half Offensive Pass Interference call against Viking WR Troy Williamson which negated a 38-yard completion. Granted, it's only the third quarter of a tied game. Who knows who would have one. But a bad call is a bad call. To begin with, pass interference is a complete judgement call as there's contact on virtually every pass play. Yet. it seems as though the officials randomly toss a flag just to remind everyone they're still around and interference (whatever the definition of the moment may be) is illegal. Regardless, the Vikings got screwed out of a long completion on a penalty that never should have been called.

Week 3 - Rams @ Cardinals: I received numerous emails about this game and thank everyone for writing. I'm not sure where to begin, so I'll just focus on the highlights. First was Tory Holt's sideline catch with only one foot in bounds, but that's OK according to the officials. Later, Holt makes another sideline catch, but is knocked out of bounds before getting his feet in. The officials, in their usual inconsistent manner, call incomplete. Ever hear of a force out? Too bad Holt didn't get one foot down...it would have been good enough for Bill Carollo's crew.

Finally came the end of game confusion with Arizona taking a fair catch on a punt as time ran out. Under an obscure rule, that would have given the Cardinals a free kick, and Neil Rackers was ready to take a shot at a 77-yard field goal. Originally, the Rams declined the penalty, but once realizing Arizona would get a free kick, the Rams were allowed to change their mind and accept the penalty.

Week 2 - Buccaneers @ Falcons: Trailing 14-3, Tampa's Derrick Brooks thought he had brought his team right back into the game with a 63 yard interception return for a touchdown, until the officials stepped in. Buccaneer LB Ryan Nece was flagged for an illegal block against Warrick Dunn, a call that enraged the Bucs, nullified Brooks' eighth career TD and instead gave Tampa Bay possession at midfield.

"That flag against Ryan was [crap]," said CB Brian Kelly "That call turned the whole game around." Replay was marginal at best and Dunn had no play on Brooks anyway. C'mon guys....LET THE PLAYERS DECIDE THE OUTCOME!

Week 1 - Colts @ Giants: Imaginary calls are one of the biggest problems with NFL officials. Far too often, overzealous officials throw a flag when they think they saw something that CLEARLY did not happen, as was the case Sunday night. Down 23-21 in the 4th quarter, Giants QB Eli Manning completed a critical third down pass to keep a drive alive, only to have the play called back for offensive pass interference against Giants WR Tim Carter. Replay shows no push off, no shoving, virtually no contact whatsoever, yet out comes the flag. Manning was intercepted on the following play, allowing Indinapolis to regain momentum and build on their lead.

Week 1 - Cowboys @ Jaguars: Trailing 24-17 in the closing minute, Dallas QB Drew Bledsoe was intercepted by Jacksonville cornerback Brian Williams, who rolled over and bobbled the ball as he fell to the ground. At no time did the ball touch the ground and Williams had full posession as he was downed. Naturally, it's replay time...the NFL equivalent of the lottery.

Despite the fact that the original call on the field was interception, and despite the fact that the replay rules states that there must exist "incontrovertible visual evidence" the original call was wrong, head referee Gerry Austin reversed the ruling, giving Dallas new life. "We never saw the ball hit the ground" said announcer Troy Aikman. "That's a bad overturn." For the benefit of any NFL Officials who might come across this website, I've linked to the definition of the word "incontrovertible". When will NFL officials follow the rules they're paid to enforce?