The difference between roughing the passer early in the year vs some of hits I saw in this week's playoff games is astounding. That might stand out most as far as a general thing. Rules should not be changed so significantly from week to week. It is a scary precedent set this year.
Originally Posted by: gbguy20
To go along with that, between the catch rule last year and roughing the passer rule this year,
(and a couple of WTF calls that left even Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino saying, what the hell is going on out there?), I am completely convinced that the NFL is not following the official rule book as the final judgement under NFL head of officiating Alberto Riveron.
They ref rulings seem more reactive to PR than ever before... I mean it's not an immediate reaction but if their is a sustain negative PR the rulings are changing.
On one hand, that seems like it could be a good thing in the sense ruling adjust faster to what seems right to the public.
But I'm a bit sticker for rules (if they're rules) being crystal clear to everyone, and knowing how a ref should rule something if they see it ... this method makes it unclear as with the rules unofficially slightly changing and unannounced it's anything but clear. Again even rule experts Mike Pereira and Dean Blandino have been left confused... what does that do to the average players, coach or viewer.
And just to be clear, while it's started under Alberto Riveron, I blame Roger Goodell as this is all about quitly getting better PR without too much notice... that's straight out of Goodell who has been all about good PR... and I believe Mike Pereira has told a story where he wanted him to do something for PR and Pereira refused sighting the official rulebook said otherwise. Which if that's the case, it's no surprise that Goodell finally appointed a guy that will follow his PR over official rulebook method.
Though I balme Roger Goodell because Goodell has also been about PR... and that they're suddenly changing ref rulings for PR
The injury to QB Alex Smith will stay with me for years to come.
Oakland trading K.Mack to the Bears and A.Cooper to Dallas stands out.
The success of Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns.
The firing of HC Mike McCarthy was both unexpected and expected.
The "doink" FG that ended the Bears in their Wildcard game.
Jacksonville regressing when most thought they were on the rise.
"Fitzmagic"in Tampa Bay
KC's dramatic QB success.
Pittsburgh's problems with Bell and Brown.
Share your memories of the 2018 NFL Season with this forum's members/visitors. 👍
Originally Posted by: Smokey
I'm glad I haven't seen the Alex Smith injury with how bad everyone says it is.
But yeah the Raiders completely rebuilding is certainly interesting... it will be interesting to see if it works (it should if they have a good front offense) but often teams refuse to rebuild (even when it's clearly needed) because it's a good way to have a bad record and get fired. Gruden can because he has a 10 year contract and an owner committed to him.
Losing Jordy fucking Nelson.... and the offense falling apart just like they did in 2015 when they didn't have Jordy.
Packers defensive change to something that looks a hell lot better, until the injuries hit and scheme still looked good, but the execution of it didn't after being overwhelmed with injuries.
Should Nick Foles be the Eagles starter controversy...
Ravens moving on from Joe Flacco to Lamar Jackson.
Drew Brees very well might be the best QB to never win NFL MVP...
Vikings and Bears investing heavily into FA offensive players, and neither offense looking as good as (I think) it should with the heavy investment into it.
Lions firing Jim Caldwell after 3 winning seasons in 4 years (last two being 9-7) then dropping to 6-10. (though in fairness sometimes it takes more than one season to adjust).