[Arky]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

There's no doubt that the quality of officiating has suffered but I think what has happened is that certain pro-union voices are trying to make every call seem like the worst call ever because they want public opinion to be so anti-replacement that the perception will be the NFL is turning off fans when, in reality, the fans are much happier watching football with replacement refs than watching no NFL football because of a lockout/strike on the refs.

The NFL has all the leverage here (as they did with the players) so the only thing the pro-union folks can do is hyperventilate about every questionable call to the point that they think they can force a settlement.

All in all, I think the refs have done ok with what they have to work with but they obviously aren't the real refs. I go back to botched call after botched call by the *real* union refs I saw last year and I ask "what's their excuse"?

If the baggage-handlers at the airport go on strike and the replacements break a mirror in your luggage, you might get miffed or you might just accept that it is better than having your baggage left on the tarmac because there was nobody there to put it on the plane.

Ya, I agree with most of this.

So far IMO, the replacement refs have been doing a good job. When I see flubbed calls, delays in the game, etc, I accept it the same way I would tolerate a new employee as he/she learns the ropes - OJT. I'm pretty sure these fellas are trying the best they can. Ideally, the situation with the real refs will work itself out sooner rather than later but if it doesn't, I expect the replacements to get somewhat better as the season progresses.

As far as the MNF game goes, I had Seattle in my pickem leagues, so I thought it was a good call . J/k, it was a lousy call and should have been negated by the offensive PI. I will say, shame on Green Bay for playing like crap most of the game and letting it come down to that one play. Many, many plays in the game where they could've made a difference.... Many times in the past I've seen a close game decided by a player making a mistake (GQ anyone?). Too bad this game was decided by a referee making a mistake....