Controversial call in the Super Bowl:
1. Ben’s Touchdown
Personally, I haven't seen anything conclusive to say that it was either definitely either a touchdown or that it wasn't a touchdown. What we do know is that the ball either crossed the plain of the end zone by a millimeter or it missed by a millimeter. How can anyone fault the line judge for a call that is that close and where there was no evidence to overturn it?
In the following photos, a lot of people confuse Ben's forearm with the ball. The ball may have been in, but it is behind his arm.
In addition, had the Line Judge ruled the ball down at the one inch line, the Steelers had 4th down and they stated that they would have gone for it. They were 100% in 4th and goal this year.
2. Offensive Pass Interference call
That was an easy call as the receiver gained separation by pushing out with his arm. You don't have to move the defensive back to be called for OPI. Remember, the offensive player has the responsibility of avoiding the defensive player.
http://www.insidefootball.com/int/askofficial.html
Is there any doubt. The controversy surrounding this play surprises me the most, especially since it happened right in front of the official and for a touchdown.
3. Holding penalty on Haggins
The rules for offensive holding have a number of caveats, one of which (Rule 3-3 b) is that "if a blocker, after the initial forward thrust of his arms, does not immediately work to bring his hands on and inside the opponents frame," it is holding. In this case, I believe that the holding was up around the neck and shoulder area, he never brought his hands back inside the frame of the pass rusher, and, in Bill Leavy's judgement, and it prevented the pass rusher from making a play on the QB.
http://www.insidefootball.com/int/askofficial.html
Doesn't look like the blocker's arm are inside of Haggin's frame to me.
All of this controversy is a lot about nothing. The truth will set us free.
1. Ben’s Touchdown
Personally, I haven't seen anything conclusive to say that it was either definitely either a touchdown or that it wasn't a touchdown. What we do know is that the ball either crossed the plain of the end zone by a millimeter or it missed by a millimeter. How can anyone fault the line judge for a call that is that close and where there was no evidence to overturn it?
In the following photos, a lot of people confuse Ben's forearm with the ball. The ball may have been in, but it is behind his arm.
In addition, had the Line Judge ruled the ball down at the one inch line, the Steelers had 4th down and they stated that they would have gone for it. They were 100% in 4th and goal this year.
2. Offensive Pass Interference call
That was an easy call as the receiver gained separation by pushing out with his arm. You don't have to move the defensive back to be called for OPI. Remember, the offensive player has the responsibility of avoiding the defensive player.
http://www.insidefootball.com/int/askofficial.html
Is there any doubt. The controversy surrounding this play surprises me the most, especially since it happened right in front of the official and for a touchdown.
3. Holding penalty on Haggins
The rules for offensive holding have a number of caveats, one of which (Rule 3-3 b) is that "if a blocker, after the initial forward thrust of his arms, does not immediately work to bring his hands on and inside the opponents frame," it is holding. In this case, I believe that the holding was up around the neck and shoulder area, he never brought his hands back inside the frame of the pass rusher, and, in Bill Leavy's judgement, and it prevented the pass rusher from making a play on the QB.
http://www.insidefootball.com/int/askofficial.html
Doesn't look like the blocker's arm are inside of Haggin's frame to me.
All of this controversy is a lot about nothing. The truth will set us free.
