Feb 09 2009
Super Bowl Thoughts
In arguably one of the greatest games ever played, there are those among us that for whatever reason, wish to say that The Men In Steel won this game with the help of the officiating. Again.
Maybe they are bitter Eagles or Ravens fan. Perhaps even Patriots fans that felt cheated when their hero fell to a week one knee injury. Maybe they are among the .01% of the population that call themselves Cardinals fans. Or maybe they are just Steelers haters, upset that the team has more success than any other franchise in modern NFL history.
During the game, I found myself almost wishing for the calls to go Arizona’s way. I wanted no doubters as to the Steelers might that was to be inflicted upon the Cards. My thoughts as they reviewed Big Ben’s apparent first quarter touchdown run drifted back to Super Bowl XL. The similarities all too apparent. “Here we go again” ran through my mind. I was relieved when the officials overturned the TD call and we settled for a field goal.
But that was not the end for sure. When Santonio Holmes decided to use the pigskin as a salt shaker, that set off more cries of “Rigged!”. Not allowing the ball to be used as a prop in end-zone celebrations is a rule I happen to be in favor of. I am of the philosophy “Act like you have been there before”. It would have been a “Ticky tack” call for sure, but it was a call.
With over 2 weeks to put the game into perspective under my belt, I have come to realize one thing. The entire affair is nothing more than sour grapes. James Harrison is held on a weekly basis in front of my own two eyes and yet it’s rarely called. Our defenders have been inches away from a sack when the QB released the ball and yet, have been flagged for roughing the quarterback.
Bad calls and no calls happen on a weekly basis in the NFL. We at home have the luxury of watching the game in super slow motion from ten different angles. The officiating crew watches some of the fastest human beings on the planet at full speed, from just one angle that is of their own choosing. Mistakes are bound to occur.
For instance, did any Cardinals fans happen to notice Kurt Warner remove his helmet near the start of the third quarter to argue that his arm had been in motion during a controversial fumble call?
Apparently not.
I have heard very little talk about this blatant “No call” that happened right in front of an official. Not even from Michaels or Madden.
NFL rules clearly state: No player may remove his helmet while on the playing field. Doing so will result in a 15-yard Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty. Exceptions are during timeouts and between quarters. (The NFL has done this in an effort to “reduce taunting and exuberant celebrations” and also “in the name of safety.” AKA “The Emmitt Smith Rule”.
In fact, I was watching a replay of an earlier Warner Super Bowl when he did exactly the same thing.
That being said, I submit that Kurt Warner gets all the “No calls” in his favor. I submit that the ‘Burgh Steelers were a victim of an NFL conspiracy to win Kurt Warner Super Bowls. It was with pure might and perseverance that they overcame this attempted sabotage.
They should be commended for their efforts.
