4 officiating observations from Super Bowl LX

The Super Bowl is fast fading into the rear-view mirror (especially with a defensive struggle that was basically over early in the third quarter). But, there are some officiating remainders that I’d like to highlight.

1. Josh Jobe lucky he got to finish the game

There was a fracas early in the fourth quarter where Stefon Diggs and Josh Jobe of the Seahawks got into it. Side judge Eugene Hall got into the middle of the two and tried to break them up, as others joined in the pushing and shoving. Jobe threw a punch, but Hall didn’t call it.

Hall was right in the middle of things and believe it or not, it is harder to see things when one is so close. No other official threw a flag and the game continued.

2. Good sideline hustle

Earlier in the game, Stefon Diggs went out of bounds on the Seattle sideline – always a tense situation. It is up to the wing officials (on this play down judge Dana McKenzie and side judge Eugene Hall), had to hustle into the bench area and retrieve Diggs.

Give both credit for hustling to the potential trouble. On his way to get Diggs, Hall either slipped or tripped and went down hard. He got right back up and continued his duties.

It has become a regular sight, but I’d also like to give the alternate officials credit for being proactive and helping separate the players who were having a problem with each other.

Hall is a four-time Super Bowl official. One more and he ties the record for most-ever Super Bowl assignments.

3. Nice coin toss

I could tell referee Shawn Smith was nervous but locked in for the opening coin toss – the most scrutinized coin toss of the year.

The crush of media, celebrities and hangers-on all vying for a good look at the coin toss can get ridiculous. But give Smith lots of credit for keeping his head and getting the game off to a good start.

4. Good no-call

Early in the fourth quarter, the Seahawks were ready to deliver the coup de grace on the Patriots.

A Sam Darnold pass to Cooper Kupp was broken up to Craig Woodson. At the time, it looked like Woodson interfered with Kupp. Field judge Jason Ledet ruled that the contact wasn’t enough to call a foul. The Seahawks sideline squawked, but Ledet held firm.

In real time, it certainly looked like it could be flagged, but on replay we see why Ledet kept his flag in his pocket. And he had just a hundredth of a second to decide. The Seahawks scored the very next play, so Seattle frustration quickly gave way to celebration.

Good no call.

All in all, the crew did a very nice job officiating the game and were certainly not a factor in the game’s outcome.