Fansided

Top 10 reasons the NFL needs a new head of officials

By Jeffery Reynolds

March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
March 20, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL vice president of officiating Dean Blandino speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) argues a pass interference call with side judge Allen Baynes (56) that was called on linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) argues a pass interference call with side judge Allen Baynes (56) that was called on linebacker Anthony Hitchens (59) in the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The Flag Should Not Have Been Picked Up.

In the Wildcard Round of the playoffs, Detroit visited Dallas. With approximately 8 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Detroit is up by 3 and driving. Matthew Stafford threw to the left flat to tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who was pushed and held on the play by linebacker Anthony Hitchens. The flag was thrown, but after the penalty was announced by the referee, another official came in and convinced the crew to pick up the flag and not call a penalty.

Much confusion ensued, based on how late the other official was in making the argument to pick up the flag.

What was obvious was that the officials missed three calls – defensive pass interference, defensive holding, and a personal foul by Dez Bryant for running onto the field to argue the call. It was a complete cluster.

This was clearly a training issue. The other official had no business overturning the call from across the field, when the foul(s) clearly happened right in front of the official who threw the flag. This happens frequently in the NFL, and it’s troubling that nothing is being done to ensure that the official closest to the play is given the authority to make the proper call that he sees with his own eyes.

Next: Was Dez Bryant Robbed In Green Bay?

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