The Play Clock
 

You know what I'm thinking, why don't they set the play clock up so it makes a noise when it hits 00 like the shot clock does in Basketball?

Seriously, how many times have you seen a team get a play off 2 seconds after the play clock hits 00 and not get called?

Pisses me off.

Re: The Play Clock
 

I'm not sure if the broadcast's play clock is exactly synched up with the official play clock at all times.

Re: The Play Clock
 

Yeah, I've thought that many times over the last few years. The system the NFL uses is horrible. Basically the ref has to look up and see that the clock is at zero, then he calls the delay of game (usually 1 or 2 secs after the clock went to zero).

Tonight's game wasn't anything unusual. So not fault on the officials there. The system they use is what it is.

I'm thinking, there has to be an easy way for some official who has a good view of the center to have an earpiece/headset with a buzzer when the clock gets to zero.

Re: The Play Clock
 

NovaScotia, I just have to say that is the stupidest sig I have ever seen.

Re: The Play Clock
 

What irritated me is when the refs called offsides on Vrabel in the first half when the clock was already at zero.

Re: The Play Clock
 

I always wonder why there's such a lapse by Back Judges in seeing that the play clock hit zero and seeing whether or not the ball has been snapped. As far as I know, the only pre-snap responsibilities the back judge has is (a) counting up the defensive players, and (b) the play clock. Does it really take a full second to look from play clock to the center? The back judge really should just be watching the play clock when it gets under 5 seconds, and AS SOON as it approaches 0, look down to see if the ball has been snapped... shouldn't be that hard...

I don't think the buzzer would work because it's often damn near impossible to hear the whistle in many stadia, so I couldn't imagine how loud they'd have to make that thing for it to be effective...

Re: The Play Clock
 

The clock operator should be able to buzz the head official, like they do for booth reviews.

Re: The Play Clock
 

yah...i agree. i think you are referring to the play where Vrabel was offsides when he ran past the line of scrimmage after the clock hit 0 yet the ball wasnt snapped

Re: The Play Clock
 

Well you're the expert on stupid.