[hadaclueonce]

"There was ONE bad call -- the Hassleback illgeal block on the INT return."

I am an offical and I do not know the difference between a "block" and a "tackle"?

NFL officals 101, I learned this very early, when you have the ball, you "block." When the other team has the ball you "tackle."

NFL Officials now owe me a $10,000 consulting fee.

[andrew2527]

Are you kidding?

[kevkrom]

I am an offical and I do not know the difference between a "block" and a "tackle"? NFL officals 101, I learned this very early, when you have the ball, you "block." When the other team has the ball you "tackle."

The rule is that members of the team without the ball on a return are not allowed to take out blockers below the knee. It's called a "low block", for whatever reason. And it's there to protect the players.

Where it was a ball call wasn't in calling it a "low block", but rather that Hasslebeck 1) was actually trying to tackle the ball carrier, 2) didn't make contact with a blocker, and 3) was doing what QBs are coached to do, i.e., go down low to make the tackle to avoid taking a hit in the shoulder.

[SoothingDave]

NFL officals 101, I learned this very early, when you have the ball, you "block." When the other team has the ball you "tackle." NFL Officials now owe me a $10,000 consulting fee.

Try looking at the rule book sometime. The Steelers, during the regular season, had this rule called on them at least once.

It didn't make sense to me, either, but it is in the rules. When defending an interception like that, you are not allowed to go low on a blocker, or attempt to do so.

Since Hasselbeck dove near the blockers legs, he got called for it. I agree it's a dumb rule, but it is the rule, and Steeler fans learned it this season.

Now you've learned it as well.

SD