But really, some of you can't see the difference this year? Marking off the wrong number of yards multiple times, not making an official call before going to replay, not discussing a call when two refs disagree, losing control of the game, hemming and hawing so much that games are dragging and losing all rhythm? Really?
Somewhat, yes.
For example, they marked off NCAA penalty yards in Denver's second game, and Denver got the short end of the stick on that one. Still, with four turnovers, I'm not sure how much difference it made, but these things have a way of turning the tide in a game.
Conferring on close calls is obviously lost on these guys. Often, one ref asserts himself, and the others just follow. The League officials upstairs don't seem to be helping enough.
There is a definite "substitute teacher" syndrome developing now, and that is not helping a damn thing. Players and coaches being insulting and humiliating to the refs, inappropriate physical contact and grabbing, etc. We all know this is a tough situation, but that doesn't mean players and staff get to lose their minds and engage in intimidation tactics. That's just unprofessional and counterproductive.
Average length of a game with the sub refs: 8 minutes longer than usual. Not that much, considering how befuddled they are during games.
But some people are putting unfair blame on the sub refs. Like in the GB vs. Seattle game, expecting them to throw an interference flag on a jump ball in the end zone, when the regular refs virtually never do that (since the installment of contemporary interference rules, I have seen literally dozens of jump balls in the end zone with just as much if not more pushing and shoving, and I have never seen an interference flag, not once). Veteran referees admit that they will not throw an interference flag, they let the boys jump up and fight for it, but everyone wants to crucify the subs for not throwing a flag Monday night. That's not exactly fair.
However, in the same game, I saw many bad calls and no-calls that surely broke momentum and changed the tide of the game.
And that is getting pretty old. Regular refs, not much better, but at least people won't have the added frustration of assuming they are inexperienced and incompetent.
If they can't settle this, look for the NFL to tough it out and let these refs continue their OJT, learning the job trial by fire, and returning next season. Obviously, the NFL recruits its officials from the exact bunch of sub refs now working the games, and they are routinely considered ready to roll in one or two seasons.
