First-down spots limit the necessity for too many measurements

We have published stories over the years concerning the first down chains and how the chain crews work the equipment. While the chain gang is very competent, officials want to avoid bringing the chains in for a measurement whenever possible. They want to keep the game moving and sometimes measurements cause

50 Super Bowl calls, Part 1: L to XLI

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

Bucs get no measurement on final drive

Week 12: Buccaneers at Titans 4th Quarter | 1:08 remaining | Titans 23-17 | Buccaneers ball | 3rd & 10 @ TEN 34 In a downpour with the clock running, Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman completed a pass to running back Kregg Lumpkin for 9½ yards. Although short, it was close, but the

Morelli crew gives Steelers 9-yd 1st down

Week 15: Jets at Steelers A failure in basic officiating crew mechanics is rare in the NFL. While there is room for argument on a judgment call or a missed call, errors in mechanics are inexcusable. In the second quarter on a first-and-10 play from the Jets 35, Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall gained

Week 6 “Official Review”: Measurements, offsetting fouls, fumble calls, baseball

In this week's "Official Review," the NFL vice-president of officiating, Mike Pereira, discussed some fairly pedestrian calls from Week 6, leaving one controversial call uncovered (video, Part 1 and Part 2): The first-down measurement in the Steelers–Browns game which is widely disputed was correct, as we stated, because the camera angle

On-field measurement not decisive on TV

Week 6: Browns at Steelers The Cleveland Plain Dealer is questioning whether a first down measurement sustained a drive that resulted in a Steelers field goal against the Browns (video, forward to 1:31). The hometown paper's headline screams the Steelers got three unearned points as a result of the measurement. The camera