Posted on 01/26/2006 9:11:12 AM PST by 1curiousmind
We agree on the good cause and that Seattle messed up big time, and we agree on at least 2 calls - pass interference in the end zone was technically "pushing off" (but then again, so was that "contact" with the quarterback which avoided a Seattle turnover) and Hasselbeck's legal tackle.
As for Roethlisberger crossing the plane of the goal line, HE certainly did. It is NOT "clear" that the tip of the BALL did however - I see his elbow and short sleeve which you presume is the ball, right? Since the official ran in to mark the ball, I think it is at least as "clear" that the TD was called based on where the ball ended up. That being said, since the replay was not conclusive, the call stands. I did not say above that Seattle lost the game because of bad officiating.
It was my mistake to believe you were of the same mind as a few other 'Hawks fans I've been arguing with. However, you did say it would've been 14-0. Since Roethlisberger's (disputed but legitimate) touchdown was on third down, that's certainly an exaggeration. In any event, a disputed call that's a close call is not a 'bad' call.
I wish Pittsburgh had played their best game, but they were clearly off last night, especially on offense, and especially in the first half. That said, they won, so I can afford to be magnanimous. I'm going to match your $20. Good luck next season.
FRegards,
FRed.
Good luck to you too.
Did you see Roethlisberger on David Letterman last night? He even thought it was not a touchdown, but he made the same point you did and said he would have run it on 4th down too - seems to have ruled out a field goal - so if THAT hadn't worked either, then it's 14-0, right? That's what I was talking about. Roethlisberger also let Dave shave off his "lucky" beard - see thread:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1573391/posts
I guess that's about it for this season and this thread (although I'm thankful there was no American Hiroshima on Sunday too ; )
Your assumption that it wouldn't have worked on 4th down is dubious, but even if granted you must be a product of the US public school system if you think not getting 7 points can transform 3-0 into 14-0. Seattle had NO other scoring opportunity in the first half. The hold called on the third and long was a tackle. The refs didn't "take that one away."
Well, he certainly knows where the ball was better than you or me - regardless, as you said above, the game's history and we have an entire new season to plan for - have a great day.
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