Cardinals vs. Saints
We usually don’t even cover this game, as the attention span is fairly low on preseason football, especially in an Olympic year. However, given the circumstances of the officiating, we are going to examine the work of the replacement officials for the Hall of Fame Game.
Replacement crew listed in a separate post.
Backtracking to the beginning of the fourth quarter: there was a challenge flag thrown on an interception. In the regular season, that would be a 15-yard penalty, because all turnovers are not subject to a coach’s challenge, only a “booth challenge.” (The replay booth initiated a review anyway, but I believe the penalty would stand.)
Overall, no major misses that could be used as leverage in the collective bargaining talks between the league and the referees union.
Lawrence Wilson save us from the new modified-sudden-death overtime procedure with the interception at the goal line!
Good conference by four officials: intentional grounding and unnecessary roughness offset.
It would be nice for the NFL Network crew to tell us there is a timeout, rather than just dumping us into commercial.
The “down box” was incorrectly placed after an incomplete pass?
Questionable non-call intentional grounding. Referee said there was a receiver in the area.
No helmet-to-helmet contact is called when the hit is on the ball carrier. Correct non-call.
And technically, there is a choice of enforcement point (repeat 4th or allow the punt to count). Good huddle up to get the correct call.
Little oops on the penalty announcement. “…re-kick” instead of “…repeat 4th down.”
Well, fairly quiet, which is good. I am sure that by the third quarter, the crew has hit their stride. Not bad for a preseason opener for even a veteran crew, the two bobbles notwithstanding.
On a punt where the goal line is threatened, the back judge has a major responsibility to protect the receiver, and then rule on the goal line. The photo grab appears to be the deep wing (SJ or FJ). The back judge should be just out of the photo to the left and should have been in straddling the goal line to rule on the goal line. The cardinal rule for the back judge is “don’t get beat deep” especially when the goal line is threatened.
Umpire Tim Morris has adapted to the NFL’s unique positioning. The “U” is in the offensive backfield, except for the final 5 minutes of the half and certain goal-line situations.
NFL.com reporting that the opening coin toss was announced incorrectly. http://bit.ly/O0vVtW
It has been noted that the replacements do not have position names above their uniform numbers (R, U, HL, etc.) My guess is that some officials might work different positions this pre-season, or it is a nod to the replacement’s temporary status. Just guesses.
Here’s a shot from the end zone on the touchback that should have been called.
Extra whistles and echoing whistles are a bad habit at the HS and lower college levels. The covering official should be the only one to sound the whistle indicating that the ball is dead. The other six officials should only sound the whistle if they have to break up a skirmish or alert the referee that there is a flag on the play.
19 YARD ERROR. Kicking team player recovered the punt and his butt touched the end zone. They ruled down at the 1, when in should have been a touchback.
Knickers are gone. NFL officials going all black pants. NCAA switched to black pants full time last year. Hat tip to Becky10 at Behind the Football Stripes.
Fewer whistles in the last two series.
Thanks to NFL Network’s coverage, we had no idea we were in a replay review until after the referee’s announcement. Managed to talk over most of that, too.
Not sure what caused umpire Tim Morris to run in on the extra-point attempt and stop it. Looked like the officials might have been confused over the defensive line (cannot have a man over the center on a scrimmage kick).
Not a huge deal, but a lot of whistles at the end each play. Usually, the whistle is only reserved when there is no clear dead ball. Once a player is obviously down, a whistle is not necessary. Minor quibble, though.
Jan. 28 • 
Jan. 15 • The John Murphy Show, WGR 550/Buffalo (
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Knickers are gone. NFL officials going all black pants. NCAA switched to black pants full time last year. Hat tip to Becky10 at Behind the Football Stripes.
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I noticed I was hearing a LOT of whistles in the first half. Also the R missed numbers on a couple of foul announcements.
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I hope this kind of play by play analysis is done when the regulars come back. then a REAL assessment of how the replacements are doing can be made….I heard one writer for ESPN say, the regulars will have to get readjusted and it may take 1 or 2 games….why do they get to refresh? The replacements had to be perfect the first game! All these opinions on the replacements….SOMEONE would be doing the games, because the NFL will not cancel games over officiating! Like everyone has been saying its a money and power play by the league, but don’t bash guys looking for a opportunity. I know solidarity with officials might have pushed the league’s hand, but other than relatives, and the ‘good ‘ole boy’ network, who really gets a fair shot at making it to the NFL as an official……….