Around The NFL: Refs Wrong Again, 49er Tackled Rough, John Fox Returns
By Danny Cox
How many times do simple mistakes have to be made until big changes are made? The worst part here is that big mistakes are being made by veteran crews, and those mistakes are severely altering the speed of games—sometimes causing problems that end up costing teams games. Suspensions and downgrades are one thing, but they are happening too often and more needs to be done.
Refs erred on late play in game between Redskins and Giants
Late in the game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants, the officiating crew should have stopped the play of the game and eliminated any type of confusion that was going on regarding the down and distance. Since the game ended, it has been said that the refs should have done a better job to eliminate any problems.
Redskins Pierre Garcon caught a four-yard pass which was spotted short of the first down. Referee Jeff Triplette signaled third down, but the head linesman signaled first down and had the chain gang move the down markers. The box even read first down.
Coach Mike Shanahan was irate during the game, but there was nothing that could be done about it. He spoke with Dean Blandino, the league officiating director, after the game and it was admitted that a mistake had been made, but nothing can be done about it now.
Vernon Davis tackled by groin by Rams' T.J. McDonald
The San Francisco 49ers defeated the St. Louis Rams 23-13 this past Sunday, and it was a good victory that included another big performance from tight end Vernon Davis. Against the Rams is when Davis captured his 50th career touchdown touch moving him into fourth place in franchise history, but he also experience, "the most painful thing ever."
During the third quarter, Davis caught a pass and was tackled by Rams safety T.J. McDonald and it wasn't a routine tackle. McDonald wrapped his arms around Davis and actually grabbed him by the groin, held on, and pulled him out of bounds.
Even though a lot of players don't wear protective cups, it would have helped Davis in this case. He tweeted after the game that it should be a league rule that players can't be tackled that way.
John Fox energetic as he returns to the Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos head coach John Fox had open heart surgery back in the beginning of November and Jack Del Rio took over as the interim coach. Now, Fox is ready to be back on the sidelines for the AFC-leading Broncos and says he is "actually in better shape now than I was a month ago."
Fox has said that he did get a scare but he plans on keeping his pre-surgery schedule. He also will had some flexibility here and there so he can take a day when he feels fatigued or weak. Some players are saying that their head coach may be even "more fiery" now because he was out for so long.
Del Rio went 3-1 in Fox's absence and it wasn't certain that the head coach would be back this season, but he vowed on doing so.
For more NFL news and updates, visit NFL Central.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
