5 officiating things I’m looking at in 2022

It is here. The NFL is ready to start its 103rd season and there are several things I'm looking for as I zebra-watch this fall. 1. New referee Tra Blake is the new referee, replacing the retired Tony Corrente. Blake is a referee in his third NFL season after spending his rookie

No more clock-milking skullduggery in 2020

Embed from Getty Images Starting this season, the NFL will not allow the offense to milk the clock in the fourth quarter by intentionally fouling. The New England Patriots invented the tactic. The Patriots got a taste of their own medicine during last year's wildcard playoff with the Tennessee Titans. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTsvc9pkZ04 Clock starts on

6 officiating keys to watch this season

View image | gettyimages.comIt is time. No more practice. No more clinics. The NFL season begins for real this week. Here is what I'm keying on as I zebra-watch this fall and winter.Sarah Thomas breaks the gender barrier. Ms. Thomas probably doesn't want it to be a big deal, but

1978: Holy Roller play revises rules

https://youtu.be/aGffYc5eXnA Sept. 10, 1978 Raiders at Chargers Quarterback Ken Stabler deliberately (according to his own admission and to those who have eyes) fumbled the ball forward, and carnival-like antics by the Oakland Raiders propelled the ball towards an end-zone recovery. The game-winning touchdown over the San Diego Chargers counted as the clock expired.

2013 rule changes will challenge officials

The NFL has announced the 2013 rule changes.  In most years, the rule changes are easy for the officials to adapt to and does not give extra headaches to the men in stripes.  All but one of the 2013 rule changes seem fairly benign.  Officiating-wise, I would say two rule