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 Aaron Rodgers (30 second…
Tag Archive for Bears
Calls, Week 11
Week 11 officiating video: That punt, that kickoff, and that loose-ball recovery
by Ben Austro • • 5 Comments
This week’s officiating video for the media from officiating vice president Dean Blandino covers what appears to be this season’s most difficult calls (video download). As we broke down on Sunday, the fourth-quarter punt return by the Lions was negated by a replay of a Cardinals possession at the goal line. Blandino emphasized the two…
Calls, News
Bears don’t pull off ‘pull and shoot’ on FG shot
by Mark Schultz • • 1 Comment
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 Bears were flagged for…
News
‘Official Review’ Week 3: a hideout and TD wipeout
by Ben Austro • • 4 Comments
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 between the goal line…
Disciplinary Action, History, News
Suspending referees uncommon in NFL
by Ben Austro •
6 known suspensions of officials for on-field incidents The NFL rarely has suspended officials for their conduct on the field, although it is possible that some may have occurred without public knowledge. Also, there are two known cases of officials (not included here) who were originally assigned to the Super Bowl and had that assignment…
After Further Review, News, Week 2
After Further Review: Bolts halt 2 games
by Ben Austro •
Referee John Parry awaits with an NFL official in the CenturyLink Field tunnel during a lightning delay in the first quarter of the 49ers-Seahawks game. Here are some of the items making news this week: Quick calls from Week 2 [Football Zebras] Parry really had no rule to evoke for a fan’s whistle causing the…
Calls, Week 1
Quick calls: Week 1
by Ben Austro •
Did you see a call in the kickoff weekend that needs our attention? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @footballzebras. We have the week 1 assignments and the crew lists available for your review.
News
Kickoff 2013: The officials by the numbers
by Ben Austro •
Click the image to enlarge. It is time to kick off the new football season! Here are some numbers for all of the zebra watchers out there. Enjoy! Designed and researched by Ben Austro. Sources: NFL Record and Fact Book (2013, 2008, 2000); Pro-Football-Reference.com (Coleman, Freeman, McKinnely); Football Zebras, “Officiating crews for the 2013 season“;…
After Further Review, News
Officials address rules changes, questions at training camps
by Ben Austro •
After Further Review: Partial officiating squads traveled to training camps this week to explain the new rules and answer questions about interpretations.
2012, Calls, Controversy, Week 15
Pereira, Daopoulos grade refs for Week 15
by Mark Schultz •
The officiating experts have several pass plays to break down In this pass-happy league it seems like there are always several pass plays that shine the light on the officiating. Former NFL vice president for officiating and current Fox Sports officiating analyst Mike Pereira and former NFL supervisor and NBC Sports officiating analyst Jim Daopoulos…