Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939
Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008
Share
Share
Share
Email
The NFL finally sent a message with reference to the controversial no-call in last Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints. The league served Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman with a $26,739 fine for his hit on Tommylee Lewis late in Los Angeles’ 26-23 overtime victory over New Orleans.
The hit on Lewis stirred up the entire Saints fanbase over the missed pass interference call that is believed to have changed the outcome of the game. Comments on social media and in other media forms, include accusations from players, fans, and even congressmen have gone further to suggest that the Rams do not deserve to be in the Super Bowl, They are even demanding a rematch – something that will not happen.
Fine is not enough for New Orleans
Despite the fine, Saints players and fans are not appeased, as it is believed that this missed call led to Rams’ win. However, many missed calls occurred in that game, all of which could have easily changed the complexion of the game itself and the ultimate outcome.
In all fairness, the NFL officiating committee needs to look at the entire game (starting at 10:10 in the first quarter, when Suh was tackled with no flag for holding), then further, especially at the missed facemask calls that could have easily given the Rams the lead twice. If “player safety” is priority, then should it not apply to all players on both sides?
Rather than perpetuate the blame, it is important to recognize that the Saints were dominated after the first quarter and also had opportunities after the play, including getting the ball first in overtime.
In the end, the Rams defense held up. It caused a turnover, and the Rams offense capitalized. They ultimately won on the long 57-yard field goal made by Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein.
Lost focus
Rather than celebrating the Rams’ comeback (reminder: they were shut out 13-0 in the beginning of the game), all focus is on one missed call. And this was not the last play of the game.
What’s more upsetting is the apparent hatred toward the Rams and their fans from the Saints fanbase. The Rams are not the officials. The Rams fans should not be attacked on social media. This displaced blame is the worst of all.
This fine on Robey-Coleman will clearly never appease the New Orleans fans.
The responsibility is on the NFL to address a situation that has blown up in the league’s face. Instead, the animosity is being pointed towards the Rams and their fans. It appears that the NFL is fine with the explosive reactions that are now pitting blame and violent threats on Rams fans on social media.
Roger Goodell, it is time to step up. Address the situation before the upcoming Super Bowl is tainted by this and potential violence in a location not far from New Orleans. Will you wait until it is too late?
For now, Robey-Coleman’s fine, along with a brief statement on making changes going forward, is all the NFL has given. Meanwhile, Saints fans continue discrediting the Rams, who are headed to the Super Bowl. It’s worse that Saints fans attacking Rams fans that have nothing to do with officiating.
Personal attacks need to stop
Until a more specific statement is made, which does not seem likely from the NFL or officiating committee, the personal attacks need to stop. Robey-Coleman is being fined and the NFL will “address” this in the next off-season officiating meeting.
Coaches preach throughout football for all ages, “Do not let the officials decide the game. If you have a chance to win it, then it is on you to do it.”
The Saints had the opportunities from the beginning to put it out of reach and later, after the call, to win the game. They got the ball first in overtime and could have ended it there. They did not.
The Rams did. Despite missed calls that would have given them the lead earlier, a forced interception by Drew Brees in overtime led to the game-winning field goal. If Zuerlein missed the kick, none of this would be an issue. But Zuerlein made an amazing kick after a great interception by Rams’ safety John Johnson forced by pass rusher Dante Fowler.
Super Bowl LIII is set: the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots are heading to Atlanta next week.
Unfortunately, what should be a much anticipated matchup is still tainted, and it can only be hoped that the anger surrounding one missed call does not taint the excitement of the Super Bowl to come.
Sources: NFL, GMFB, Tom Pelissero
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 939
Notice: Trying to get property 'count' of non-object in /var/www/wp-content/themes/flex-mag/functions.php on line 1008
The NFL finally sent a message with reference to the controversial no-call in last Sunday’s NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints. The league served Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman with a $26,739 fine for his hit on Tommylee Lewis late in Los Angeles’ 26-23 overtime victory over New Orleans.
The hit on Lewis stirred up the entire Saints fanbase over the missed pass interference call that is believed to have changed the outcome of the game. Comments on social media and in other media forms, include accusations from players, fans, and even congressmen have gone further to suggest that the Rams do not deserve to be in the Super Bowl, They are even demanding a rematch – something that will not happen.
Fine is not enough for New Orleans
Despite the fine, Saints players and fans are not appeased, as it is believed that this missed call led to Rams’ win. However, many missed calls occurred in that game, all of which could have easily changed the complexion of the game itself and the ultimate outcome.
In all fairness, the NFL officiating committee needs to look at the entire game (starting at 10:10 in the first quarter, when Suh was tackled with no flag for holding), then further, especially at the missed facemask calls that could have easily given the Rams the lead twice. If “player safety” is priority, then should it not apply to all players on both sides?
Rather than perpetuate the blame, it is important to recognize that the Saints were dominated after the first quarter and also had opportunities after the play, including getting the ball first in overtime.
In the end, the Rams defense held up. It caused a turnover, and the Rams offense capitalized. They ultimately won on the long 57-yard field goal made by Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein.
Lost focus
Rather than celebrating the Rams’ comeback (reminder: they were shut out 13-0 in the beginning of the game), all focus is on one missed call. And this was not the last play of the game.
What’s more upsetting is the apparent hatred toward the Rams and their fans from the Saints fanbase. The Rams are not the officials. The Rams fans should not be attacked on social media. This displaced blame is the worst of all.
This fine on Robey-Coleman will clearly never appease the New Orleans fans.
The responsibility is on the NFL to address a situation that has blown up in the league’s face. Instead, the animosity is being pointed towards the Rams and their fans. It appears that the NFL is fine with the explosive reactions that are now pitting blame and violent threats on Rams fans on social media.
Roger Goodell, it is time to step up. Address the situation before the upcoming Super Bowl is tainted by this and potential violence in a location not far from New Orleans. Will you wait until it is too late?
For now, Robey-Coleman’s fine, along with a brief statement on making changes going forward, is all the NFL has given. Meanwhile, Saints fans continue discrediting the Rams, who are headed to the Super Bowl. It’s worse that Saints fans attacking Rams fans that have nothing to do with officiating.
Personal attacks need to stop
Until a more specific statement is made, which does not seem likely from the NFL or officiating committee, the personal attacks need to stop. Robey-Coleman is being fined and the NFL will “address” this in the next off-season officiating meeting.
Coaches preach throughout football for all ages, “Do not let the officials decide the game. If you have a chance to win it, then it is on you to do it.”
The Saints had the opportunities from the beginning to put it out of reach and later, after the call, to win the game. They got the ball first in overtime and could have ended it there. They did not.
The Rams did. Despite missed calls that would have given them the lead earlier, a forced interception by Drew Brees in overtime led to the game-winning field goal. If Zuerlein missed the kick, none of this would be an issue. But Zuerlein made an amazing kick after a great interception by Rams’ safety John Johnson forced by pass rusher Dante Fowler.
Super Bowl LIII is set: the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots are heading to Atlanta next week.
Unfortunately, what should be a much anticipated matchup is still tainted, and it can only be hoped that the anger surrounding one missed call does not taint the excitement of the Super Bowl to come.
Sources: NFL, GMFB, Tom Pelissero
Recommended for you