Ok, so it looks like Kyle Shanahan will get a hefty fine from the NFL, but that would be wrong on every level of fairness. Don't get me wrong. I am not advocating that coaches should place their hands on officials in anger or chase them down a corridor with harsh rhetoric. Is there anything wrong with a stern warning for Shanahan directly a la a first time offense, especially in light of the numerous officiating mistakes that cost the Redskins of a possible overtime game or even a victory?
Let's take a look at some of the mistakes made by the referees in this game. When BenJarvus Green-Ellis fumbled for the first time in his NFL career, Josh Wilson smothered the ball and proceeded to run to the endzone for an obvious score. He was not touched, but the referee blew the whistle too quickly and it cost the Redskins a lead of 31-24 late in the game. It would've continued the strong momentum that the team had at that juncture and for a few moments, other officials knew that the whistle was blown too quickly. After a brief discussion, the referees probably acknowledged their mistake in a huddle, but had to call the play dead at the time the whistle had sounded.
What does it take to get a holding call as Ryan Kerrigan is rushing the opposing team's QB? No, this is not a part of the team that Kyle Shanahan coaches, but the defense needs to hold up their end of the bargain. If the officials are ignoring blatant examples of obvious penalties, then how can we expect to get a favorable call that could benefit the offense (more time on the field)? Additionally, how could the officials miss the pass interference penalty on a bomb to Leonard Hankerson from RG3? I could go on and on, but you get the idea.
The last few moments of the game appeared to be officiated by members of the Keystone Cops. Kyle simply pointed out that time should not come off the clock and the league acknowledged it today. So why was their an unsportsmanlike conduct when he was able to plead his case correctly? True league officials would've known the rules and said penalty would be non-existent. However, if by chance had league officials made the wrong call, you can be sure that Kyle takes the same approach and the officials make the right choice. In other words, there was no unsportsmanlike penalty whatsoever. RG3's final attempt at a Hail Mary is about fifty yards and not sixty-five or so. Chances are better than average that the shorter attempt fails, but the young QB has the arm strength and intangibles to make that last second play a successful one.
I'm reminded of a funny saying that applies to today's league and replacement referees. "The beatings will continue until morale improves".
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