Bill Vinovich uses the commercial break to commend Jalen Carter on the way he hit QB Carson Wentz

I am convinced that one trait that separates top-tier officials from their peers is their ability to communicate with players and, through that communication, manage the game. This can include a verbal reprimand when a player is treading close to a flag for unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct, or praise for a player when they do something within the rules when it could have been easy for them to foul. I often use this praise with offensive and defensive linemen, as they are regularly locked in full hand-to-hand combat and expected to stop on a dime when a whistle that they may or may not know is coming, blows. “Good job 53!” or “Way to stop there 99!” can go a long way in letting players know that their behavior is within the rules and is being recognized by the officiating crew.

All evidence seems to point to the fact that Bill Vinovich is a master of communication and man-management, and this was on display during the Eagles-Vikings game as the broadcast was coming back from a commercial break. Cameras showed Vinovich talking to Jalen Carter after his hit on QB Carson Wentz caused a pick-six score for the Eagles. In the clipped image, you can see Vinovich talking to Carter and putting his hands out to the side in a pushing motion. This is not the first time we’ve seen Vinovich talking to players on the sideline during a break in the action, and it is likely he does it just as often if not more during the game and in-between downs.

It is likely Vinovich was commending Carter on the way he hit Wentz and telling him that the technique he used was exactly how the NFL wants defenders to hit quarterbacks. Carter did not go high and hit Wentz in the head, nor did he try to punish Wentz with his own helmet or shoulder. He instead hit Wentz in the midsection in a wrap-up tackle technique with his head to the side and drove Wentz backwards. Not only that, but as the two were going to the ground, Carter braced himself as he fell, using his arms to keep his body weight off of Wentz, something that the NFL has wanted defenders to focus on for a few seasons now. This was a textbook QB hit, and Vinovich sought Carter out and praised him for that technique.

These little things may not seem like much to the casual fan, but they are incredibly important! They build a relationship between the officials and the players, help teach players what will and will not be called as a penalty, and elevate officials from good to great. This is an example why many people, myself included, consider Bill Vinovich one of the best referees in the game.