When the Colts and Saints square off in Super Bowl XLIV down in south Florida don’t be surprised if the X-factor in this game is wearing a striped shirt. New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, speaking earlier this week on a Tennessee sports talk radio show, said the Saints will need to deliver some “remember me” shots on Peyton Manning, he didn’t stop there adding “you hope he doesn’t get back up and play again.” You can bet on Feb 7th the NFL will be on high alert for any late or illegal hits to the quarterbacks especially after some missed calls this post-season already, two of which had significant game changing implications.
Vice president of officiating Mike Pereira conceded that there should have been a 15-yard penalty on the third-quarter play where Vikings quarterback Brett Favre suffered a left ankle injury.
On that play, Saints defensive end Bobby McCray hit Favre in what Pereira called “pretty much a direct shot into the back of the legs.” The hit violated an NFL rule that prohibits low hits on quarterbacks. Had the penalty been called, Jonathan Vilma's interception would have been nullified and the Vikings would have re-gained possession with a first down at the Saints’ 19-yard line.
In the Wildca
rd round, facing third-and-6 on the first series of overtime, Cardinals cornerback Michael Adams blitzed Packers QB Aaron Rodgers and knocked the ball out. It bounced off Rodgers' foot and into the hands of linebacker Karlos Dansby, who ran for a touchdown to give Arizona a 51-45 victory. Adams grabbed Rodgers' face mask on the play, but officials didn't throw a flag. Had the call been made, the interception would have been negated by a 15-yard personal foul penalty that would have given the Packers possession and a first down.
With the biggest game of all looming and NFL poster boy Peyton Manning at the helm for the Colts, don’t be surprised if the league is very tight on hits to the QB and a couple of key drives are extended by the officials. Gregg Williams, in an attempt to fire up his defense, may have given the least sacked QB in the league an extra security blanket.
Written by Eric Doppelt
This is a topic that the league knows exists, but never truly willing to openly admit/address it. A well written/supported article on a often taboo subject!
ReplyDeleteThere is no question that the zebra stripes will determine the flow and outcome of the superbowl. Its strange how and when they decide "to let the boys play" v.s. actually calling a good game. I want to know what goes into that thought process!
ReplyDelete