NFL Replay

01-30-02

I’m Chuck Wilson with an ESPN Radio Extra Point,
Officiating football has never been more difficult. The officials see the play once...at full speed....from field level. Watching on TV, we have the benefit of ever-improving slow-motion replays from many camera angles. We see every missed call. The NFL's use of TV replay has helped. It's not perfect. We've seen that. But the game is better with it, than without it. A couple of changes would help. The fumble rule is one. The NFL doesn't want the officials to have to rule on intent. But make it simple. Unless the quarterback is clearly in the act of throwing the football, rule it a fumble. When in doubt, it's a fumble. The other is the use of Coaches’ challenges. Chris Berman is right, teams successfully challenging a ruling on the field should not only keep their timeout but also keep the challenge. Sure, the league is concerned about the length of games but the current limit of 2-challenges per game isn't in the best interests of getting the play right. The Steelers, for instance, had already used their two challenges and couldn't call for a replay review of Troy Brown’s forward lateral in the AFC Title game. Replay is a valuable tool. Use it.
I’m Chuck Wilson