After last week's 14 penalties called on the Steelers, this week's 10+ - many at crucial times... It is obvious the league has it in for the Steelers, and Harrison in particular.
Case in point, un-necessary roughness call on Harrison today for leading with his helmet. He didn't, he purposely raised his head to take the blow on his chest and shoulder pads, rather than lowering his head and spearing the guy. Still drew a flag, and will probably draw a fine. Another un-necessary roughness was called on a Steeler who ran out of bounds into the Bills' bench. He happened to run into a guy that (probably on purpose) didn't get out of his way.
Or how about the pass interference call on the Steelers' D - even though the QB had thrown the ball away, it landed in the Bills' bench. Talk about un-catchable...
Or how about the holding calls if the Steeler O-line dared impede the Bills D in any way? Let a Bill trip on his way to Ben, and it was apparently assumed it was a hold, push them back 10.
Meanwhile, the Bills receivers can stiff-arm by grabbing the facemask of the Steeler - no call. Their D-backs can play the receiver, never turn around for the ball, shove the Steeler receiver to the ground - no call. The Bills could slap heads and hit heads hard enough to knock Steelers' helments off - no call.
A buddy said the refs calls do get reviewed by the NFL. I hope this crew's performance gets reviewed, ASAP. Based on what I saw them call and not call I would suspend them for several games and knock them out of consideration for any post-season officiating. Meanwhile, I don't know what the Steelers can do about having to play against 12 or 13 people at a time. The refs in the last two games may as well have put on team jersey's. There is an obvious bias against the Steelers. The league had better address this and end it ASAP or they risk losing fans. No-one likes to see an un-fair game. I hate bad calls on any team, and I hate it when the refs inject themselves too much into a game, basically deciding the game. You hear me NFL? I'm a fan, I follow several teams not just the Steelers, but you will lose me and others if you don't clean up your act and let them play a fair game.
Excellent post. My wife and I watched the Steelers game and I completely agree with you, the Steelers are getting a raw deal from the refs. Last week and now today, its blatantly obvious that a decision has been made to make it as difficult as possible for the Steelers. It’s shameful and harmful to the sport.