There can be no argument from knowledgable NFL observers.. heck even the casual squirrel fan saw it: NFL Refs suck in the 2016 NFL season.
Even with what should be NASA-high-tech replay technology, refs week in and week out bumbled and blundered like blind mice right in front of millions of eyeballs.
Here are my random thoughts on how this officiating malaise can be cured:
1. All refs must be full-time.
How can the richest sport in the universe be the only professional sport WITHOUT full-time refs?
Full-time refs could travel together, work on film study, hone their rules knowledge.
2. Have a full-time (getting the theme here?) replay crew,
This crew reviews EVERY play, and when there is an egregious error, the head ref doesn't need to hide under that puppet-show tent, put on the 1980s headset and spend 3 minutes reviewing the replay like its the Zapruder film! No, a ref in front of 30 HD monitors can simply buzz in, correct the call and we move on!!!
3. EVERY stadium have Hawkeye technology for all sideline and end zone plays.
If you haven't see this technology, it's indisputable laser technology used by tennis on all line, close calls (http://www.hawkeyeinnovations.co.uk/)
In tennis - a sport now watched by 10 people and creating enough profit to fund an elementary school education - has this infallible line technology, yet the NFL uses what seems like VHS quality video.
Hey NFL: take one billion of that profit and install Hawkeye tech in every stadium tomorrow!
4. Scrap the what's a catch rule aka the Calvin Johnson rule.
Secure the ball, turn 38.5 degrees, take 2.5 "football" steps, complete the catch but do not move your left index finger off the ball unless the defender touches the right hand.... this the latest version of the rule, right?
Fact is NO ONE knows this ridiculous rule. Ditch it. Burn it.
Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher nailed it in a recent article: and was laid out succinctly by Deadspin's Drew Magary:
Imagine that: catch the ball, come down in-bounds, that's a catch.... genius!
5. Make Pass Interference replay eligible
Aside from refs blowing every other "catch" call, PI is only 2nd by a hair in number of blown/bad calls.
Seems DBs cough too hard, and they are flagged, while WRs now grab DBs, holding them down and not allowing DB to jump ... call it the Randy Moss move.
Or you can do like Mike Evans here and just 2-hand show Sterling Moore, and Moore be called for the PI!
https://www.facebook.com/jeff.marcon/videos/10154690819462787/
6. Eliminate the ridiculous "ice the kicker" timeout.
This one needs no explanation.
7. Amend the Automatic 1st down on Illegal Contact
So, it's 3rd and 20, you can A) decapitate the receiver, get a personal foul, but not give up the 1st down or B) touch receiver with a feather and no matter where it is, give offense automatic first..... Yeah, you get the picture.
Ok, NFL refs you suck and are on double-secret probation, don't make me send in the tape to my guy Knuckles...
