Sunday, January 16, 2011

Who Moved the Ball?

Did anyone notice in the Ravens-Steelers game on the key 4th and 1 play where Roethlisberger eventually got the 1st down on a QB sneak, that the refs moved the ball more than half a yard before the play and no one said anything about it?

As the Steelers lined up for the 4th down, the ball is clearly on the hashmark and a full yard from the superimposed yellow line. Then John Harbaugh throws his red challenge flag and the refs sort out and then explain that he's actually not challenging the play because it wasn't a first down.

When the Steelers line up again for the 4th down play, the ball has obviously been moved forward at least a half yard if not more. It's no longer on the hashmark and the nose is practically touching the superimposed yellow line. The Steelers went from having a 4th and 1 to a 4th and inches and no one seemed to notice or care.

What drives me crazy is that 1) this was a big play. 2) The announcers don't say anything. Did they not see someone move the ball or did they just not notice the ball had been moved. Who moved the ball? Why did they move the ball? You would think in a playoff game and on such an important play, someone would catch and say something!

No comments: