Refs blow huge call..and no one cares.

[Fins4ever]

The refs enforced the rule.  That is not a "big mistake."

Correct, the rule is a mistake. To penalize the coach and then not review the play is just wrong.

[Landshark]

The refs enforced the rule.  That is not a "big mistake."

Not blowing the whistle when they should've was the big mistake.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

Not blowing the whistle when they should've was the big mistake.

No, it wasn't.  The directions the refs have gotten (and they make 100% sense) is that being turnover plays are automatically reviewable, if in doubt at all swallow the whistle, b/c if you blow the whistle and shouldn't have there is NO WAY to fix it.  But if you don't blow it and should have it will be automatically reviewed and fixed. And if the coach didn't throw the flag that is what would have happened.   

[fyo]

No, it wasn't.  The directions the refs have gotten (and they make 100% sense) is that being turnover plays are automatically reviewable, if in doubt at all swallow the whistle, b/c if you blow the whistle and shouldn't have there is NO WAY to fix it.

Well, it wasn't a turnover. It was simply a runner who was down by contact with multiple parts of his body, got up and continued running, so unless the refs were to somehow KNOW that the guy was going to score, the automatically reviewed aspect has no bearing on this play.

(Now, if -- as a ref -- you don't see the guy down, then by all means don't blow the whistle just because he MIGHT have been down... you've gotta call what you see.)

[Brian Fein]

You may notice any questionable fumble is ruled a fumble on the field, because then it can be reviewed and they can get it right.  If they call it "down" on the field, they can't review for a fumble, and have got a lot of calls wrong like that.  Cause they blew the whistle early, and the play is not reviewable. 

That's the right way to do things.  When in doubt, rely on the video.  That's what the system is there for.

I agree with Hoodie's proposal to enforce the rule.  The play needs to be reviewed whether he threw the flag or not.

[Pappy13]

You may notice any questionable fumble is ruled a fumble on the field, because then it can be reviewed and they can get it right.  If they call it "down" on the field, they can't review for a fumble, and have got a lot of calls wrong like that.

A down by contact rule can be reviewed and overturned. It has to be challenged, but it can be reviewed and overturned.

[mecadonzilla]

It's just a shitty rule.  It was called correctly on the field according to the rule book.  This needs to be addressed ASAP because the rule is pure and utter crap.  I'm having trouble understanding why it was adopted in the first place.

A penalty for throwing the flag is understandable, but to not review the play is insulting to the integrity of the game and everyone who watches it.

[Spider-Dan]

A down by contact rule can be reviewed and overturned. It has to be challenged, but it can be reviewed and overturned.

It can be reviewed and overturned, but the only thing that can happen is change of possession.  The opponent cannot advance the ball after a blown whistle.

This is why the refs "let them play."

[fyo]

It's just a shitty rule.  It was called correctly on the field according to the rule book.  This needs to be addressed ASAP because the rule is pure and utter crap.  I'm having trouble understanding why it was adopted in the first place.

The NFL appears to acknowledge that the rule is "shitty", with Goodell quoted as saying a change could come as soon as the playoffs.

[Landshark]

Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano throws a challenge flag on a play that can't be reviewed, and the refs don't penalize him 15 yards.  Why penalize Schwartz and not Schiano?

[MikeO]

Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano throws a challenge flag on a play that can't be reviewed, and the refs don't penalize him 15 yards.  Why penalize Schwartz and not Schiano?

wasn't a scoring play

[Landshark]

They need to just allow the coach to pick up the challenge flag if the play is not reviewable