This will be a short diary, as much a rant as anything else, trying to get past my anger at the officiating and blatant cheating in yesterday's playoff game between the Pittsburgh Stealers and the Baltimore Ravens. I refuse to use that other spelling for the team from Pittsburgh any more because they have proven themselves to be shameless cheaters.
Late in the game the stealers were stopped short of a first down by at least two yards. The refs spotted the ball at least a full yard closer to the down marker than where the runner had been downed by contact. Baltimore attempted to challenge the spot, but since the spot did not affect the call of first down versus fourth down the challenge was not allowed. This in itself needs to change. Placing the ball where they did made it much easier for the stealers to choose to go for it on fourth down.
That's when the outright theft came into play ...
When the stealers offensive line approached the line of scrimmage their center picked up the ball as they all stepped forward and he then set himself. In the process they gained about two thirds of that last yard they needed, then they quick-snapped the ball on a QB sneak and got the first down. Watching the game on TV it was obvious what they had done because the damn line of scrimmage blue graphic was cutting directly through the helmets of the stealers offensive linemen. And instead of the whole damn line being called for offsides they got away with it and went on to get a crucial score that helped them steal the game.
Unfortunately, the NFL lets the stealers get away with this kind of crap and the officials look the other way. They are a big money draw and are preferred in the playoffs to smaller market teams like Baltimore. After watching the horrendous officiating in yesterday's game it is hard to believe that there is not any favoritism involved because of this. Defensive holding on a running play? Perfect to ensure the stealers get a touchdown when they're stopped on 3rd and goal - give them a few yards and a new set of downs to punch the ball in.
NFL, you're on notice. An entire city had their hopes tied to this team and you've just fucked us all royally. This will not soon be forgotten nor forgiven. The replay rules need some serious revision. And there also needs to be a way to deal with the line of scrimmage theft described above.
There is no question that Baltimore's offense played poorly the second half of that game. But there is also no question that they had more working against them than merely an honest opponent.