Tag: Bears

Most officials don’t watch the ball during a play

by Mark Schultz - 0

If you want to watch, buy a ticket. -- back judge Stan Javie to rookie official Jerry Bergman Sr., in 1966.   You might be surprised how little time NFL officials spend watching the ball during a play. When the offense snaps the ball, where do non-officials' eyes go? The camera, announcers and

Riveron explains Bears’ TD overturn, predecessors skeptical

by Mark Schultz - 2

NFL vice president for officiating, Alberto Riveron, explained why he overturned Zach Miller's touchdown catch on replay, but that explanation did not convince former officiating boss Mike Pereira. Riveron explained (see Week 8 video) that as Miller's first leg landed (the one horribly injured), the ball was moving. "Now we know

Hochuli crew has first ejections of the year

by Rich Madrid - 0

Two players were ejected from the Bears-Titans preseason game on Sunday afternoon at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.  The ejections came at 10:51 in the 2nd quarter (video) and involved an altercation after the whistle between Titans left guard Quinton Spain and Bears defensive tackle Jaye Howard. Video appears to show Spain

50 Super Bowl calls, Part 4: XX to XI

by Football Zebras staff - 6

The Football Zebras staff -- with the assistance of our affiliated forum, Behind the Football Stripes -- has examined the Super Bowls of years past for the work of the officials who, in a given year, achieve the honor of the best of the best. While every team competes for

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50 Super Bowl calls, Part 1: L to XLI

by Football Zebras staff - 1

The Football Zebras staff -- with the assistance of our affiliated forum, Behind the Football Stripes -- has examined the Super Bowls of years past for the work of the officials who, in a given year, attain the honor of the best of the best. While every team competes for

Pages: 1 2

Officials hate to miss cheap shots and unsportsmanlike acts

by Mark Schultz - 9

Fortunately, most flagrant actions do not escape cameras The NFL most recently handed out two punishments for flagrant acts that were not flagged on the field.  Ndamukong Suh was fined $70,000 (initially suspended one game but overturned on appeal, but don't get me started on that) for stepping on Packers quarterback

Bears don’t pull off ‘pull and shoot’ on FG shot

by Mark Schultz - 1

Week 4: Packers at Bears (video at 2:30) Early in the fourth quarter, the Chicago Bears' game hopes were hanging by a thread.  The defense had held the Packers in the red zone forcing a field goal attempt.  The field goal was good, however side judge James Coleman threw a flag.  The

‘Official Review’ Week 3: a hideout and TD wipeout

by Ben Austro - 4

The semiregular "Official Review" segment appeared for (I believe) the first time this season on NFL Total Access. Vice president of officiating Dean Blandino addressed two calls (video): The hideout play executed by Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (which we covered Sunday) was reviewed. Blandino added this illegal maneuver is legal maneuver