DisgruntledTunaFan

If you go back to that '03 AFC Title game-ONLY *one* call was missed(that holding call near the end that would have been a penalty in any era). Otherwise, all of those "chucking" was done WITHIN 5 yards.

Honestly-all of these "new" rules are becoming a joke. Ever since the free agency/salary cap era, they've been doing it every year just to appease the fans.

With that being said, I expect the Colts to win on Sun night.

Oswlek

This is not true. NE absolutely did get away with several holds and illegal contacts. Not as many as the media and Colt fans made it out to be, but it was at least 5-10 uncalled penalties.

However, what I always point out are the three uncalled holds that were obvious in real time and the two times Indy was given 3 extra seconds to get a play off. Where was the outcry about those calls?

SVN

Remember guys..troy polamalu intercepted manning in the AFC Div game...oh wait..it was overturned by the "officials" who later admitted it was wrong to overturn in the first place !!!....the writer is such a jack***...

PatsFaninAZ

The notion that any ref at that level gives a crap who wins the game is so laughable that I don't understand why it is so often repeated. They don't care.

The only real exception is the 4th quarter in a blowout, where they're not really looking to make any news if they don't have to.

This is not to say that a coach or player cannot develop a level of credibility with an official over time, at any level of competition. If the coach demonstrates an understanding of the rules and finds a way to effectively communicate with the officials, that can go a long way toward giving the coach the opportunity to be heard on plays where rules are at issue. But a coach who repeatedly gives refs a hard time about judgment calls is just never going to be listened to.

scott99

I agree, I don't think an O-line gets away with more holding than Indy's. It's actually amazing to watch. My personal feeling is that ALL offensive linemen hold 90% of the time, and the refs catch it about 15% of the time. Watch every game, and you will see holding on almost every play. I think Daniel Graham is legendary for his blocking, but even better at concealing his holding. The Colts O-Line is the best at concealing their holds.

godef

Did anyone notice on one play in the second half when a Minnesotas defender was CLEARLY lined up offsides, and no call was made? I know, I know, this happens all the time.

__________________
See you at Super Bowl XLVI!

PlattsFan

Wow. This guy is complaining about one call in a 31-7 embarrassment?

It's amazing the way a culture surrounds a football team (or any organization). The Colts/Polian just can't stop worrying about the officials, and the Indy media follows suite. But when was the last time any Patriots writer said anything about the Denver calls? Belichick is so focused on the future and things he can control that he never talks about the refs, and the media sort of follow the cue ...

I wonder if the Indy media will gang-assault Pats employees?

borg

"Brad Johnson’s first-quarter interception was after Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi reached out and restricted intended receiver Mewelde Moore near the goal line. Moore raised his arms in disbelief. No call. Hmmm."

No question, there was contact...but the contact was within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. To me, it looked like Teddy impeded the back's ability to advance in his desired direction within the 5 yards...fighting for the same space...and slowed him down and redirected his pattern. Good play...and legal within the 5 yard rule.

FloridaPatsFan

Someone I know, who is a Bills fan (and hates the Pats, but respects what they are doing) talks about that '03 game a lot. He said that when it comes to the playoffs (prior to '03), the refs generally called less penalties due to the fact that you don't want to hand or take away a game to a team due to a flag. Basically, they let the players play and only call the obvious infractions.

Since '03, and Bill Polians whining, we have witnessed some of the most ridiculous refereeing ever. But in my opinion, we have been on both ends of the refs calls: good and bad. I thought we got some good calls in Minnesota, but I have watched most of the Colts game this year and they are benefitting a lot more than we are. The pass interference against the Jets was a bad call and gave the Colts 1st and goal and ultimately the game.

I think the Colts know that they are in for a brutal game and are politicking to take away any advantage the Pats have for home field (including the sand).

The Colts are going to lose Sunday night. We are probably going to score at will on them.

NE39

I guess that guy never heard of the 5-yard chuck rule. Bruschi's job is to disrupt his pattern, and it is perfectly legal within 5 yards.