Illegal use of hands

[fyo]

Since we don't have Chris Chambers around anymore, I am of course referring to the refs and the insane number of "Illegal use of hands / hands to the face" calls Sunday. I honestly don't remember the last time I saw a single one of those called, yet Gene Steratore and his crew called FIVE of them, plus the one by Chris Long on Tannehill (which becomes a roughing penalty).

Now, I'm not saying the calls were wrong, as such, just that the same things happen every single game and they just don't get called. This is my pet peeve with NFL officiating: Inconsistent application of the rules from crew to crew.

Thinking about it, the last "hands to the face" flag I remember (not on the qb) was in the playoffs last season when the Pats whipped the Broncos... and, wouldn't you know, Steratore called that game as well.

[Landshark]

^^^^^^^

What do you expect from Gene STEELERtore?  The media has the nerve to proclaim this guy one of the NFL's "better refs".  Yeah right, if you're a Pittsburgh fan.

[Fins4ever]

I agree that the officiating does differ from crew to crew and I would hope the Fins know before the game what the tendencies are from the crew doing their game. However, it starts before the season when the NFL and the refs meet to discuss the rule changes from the previous year and what they will be enforcing in the upcoming season.

IMO, they call too many petty penalties. Let them play! Some of the holding calls I have seen on the O line has been particularly bad.   

[masterfins]

I agree that the officiating does differ from crew to crew and I would hope the Fins know before the game what the tendencies are from the crew doing their game.   

Good point, I wonder how much, if any, time is spent during game prep talking about certain refs, and the penalties they like to call??

[Fins4ever]

Good point, I wonder how much, if any, time is spent during game prep talking about certain refs, and the penalties they like to call??

I would hope to think those type of things would be pointed out during reviewing tape. Heck, if I were Ross, I would have 1 guy who did nothing but track the crews and keep a statistical database on what they have called.

If Philbin can create a rep for having a disciplined team, it will go a long way on affecting future calls or non calls.

I tell ya, I used to say that Ed Hoculi demanded more TV time to show his guns than the players got, but after the last couple of weeks, I miss him and never want to see sorry a$$ Santore again. lol