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

Quick calls from ‘Monday Night Football’ Week 8

#457964914 / gettyimages.com Impetus rule. Cowboys defensive back J.J. Wilcox intercepted a first-quarter pass in the end zone and then subsequently fumbled the ball out of bounds in the end zone (video). When a ball is dead in the end zone, it is either a touchdown, a safety, or a touchback.

Hochuli has ‘the magic words’ in replay review calls

#457128120 / gettyimages.com Week 6: Washington at Arizona (video) A fourth quarter fumble by Washington receiver Andre Roberts was reviewed by referee Ed Hochuli. The replay official called for he review to check if Roberts' knee was down prior to the fumble, which would have Roberts down by contact and reversing the

Roundtable: Was Chris Baker ejected in error?

The fight in the Week 3 game in Philadelphia has lingering questions, despite our multiple-point breakdown of the play, and it swirls around the illegal hit called on Washington defensive lineman Chris Baker. Troy Vincent, the first-season executive vice president of football operations, addressed the hit earlier this week. "You can

Despite calls for major change, NFL makes simple tweaks to replay

2014 rule changes The 2014 replay process is going to be much the same as the process from 2013; the changes being made to the system probably will barely register with most fans. There were too many hurdles to implementing a true centralized replay system, so a simple change will allow the

Hurry-up offense means hurry-up officiating mechanics

Hurried mechanics increase the danger of officials making a mistake The two-minute offense has been in effect since the invention of the scoreboard clock.  The no-huddle offense became in vogue 25-years ago.  Both strategies are here to stay and offenses are getting plays off at an even faster pace.  With increased pre-snap duties,

Washington hurry-up snagged when chains advanced on third down

Week 13: N.Y. Giants at Washington (video at 3:05) Washington had no timeouts on the first play following the two minute warning. The 2nd-and-5 play netted about 5 yards, which was spotted apparently short of the first down. Head linesman Phil McKinnley motioned for the chain crew to move to the

Suspending officials is uncommon in NFL

8 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, this list is complete for all reported suspensions. Also, there are two known cases of officials (not included