Refs Suck

[Robbie Robb]

I disagree there. True, the ball DID cross the line, BUT it touched the ground about two inches before the start of the goal line before it touched the ground. There is absolutely NO way that ball couldn't have touched the ground at the angle he was holding the ball before the line. The one camera angle seemed to clearly show this. It's unfortunate that the ref seemed to miss this angle after watching the replay.

For the record, it's been mentioned here before, but let me re-iterate: I really do NOT have much interest in football. I watched a bit of the game before dropping Raiders of the Lost Ark into the DVD player and happened to catch this play. I had no real favourite in this team. In a previous post I stated that I was rooting for the Steelers as they had stated they were going to choose to play in their black jerseys. Liars. I also stated I *should* root for Seattle since Paul Allen owns the team.

So as an unbiased observer - that ball did NOT cross the goal line before hitting the ground.

[PShabi]

I take pride in my sports knowledge, especially the enforcing of rules. I'd make the world's best replay official.

#1 - By the rules of the game, the pass interference on Seattle was just that. The WR extended his arm and made contact with the defender. The defender's movement was impeded and the receiver caught the ball. Pass Interference, all day, everyday.

#2 - Ben was in. It doesn't matter where you or the ball hits the ground. It matters if the ball crossed the plane of the goal line. That plane starts at the very edge of the white goal line and extends vertically to infinity. While airborne, the nose of the ball gets to the goal line right before he is hit. Once hit, yes he moves backward and lands behind the goal line.

Also, it was called a "TD" on the field. To overturn that call, they would need indisputable evidence that it WAS NOT a TD. No one can say that the video provided that evidence.

Both of those calls were spot on and if Holmgren is watching the tapes today, I guarantee he would not argue.

[Robbie Robb]

Ah, thank you sir. As I mentioned I know almost nothing about football. I was just going by what the commentators were saying at the time: that the ball had to cross the line BEFORE touching the ground. Football fans may have very easily understood what they were meaning, but I, being a non-football fan, was rather clueless.

I stand corrected - the way you describe the rules, you're absolutely right - it was clearly a TD then as the ball did cross the line in the air before being pushed back a couple inches.

This is what I get for sticking my nose in a thread I know nothing about! Consider me schooled.