Consequences of the Challenge System
 

Refs no longer call runners down, even when it's obvious somebody is down, leaving it up to the coaches to challenge it. This is obviously a problem when the coaches no longer have a timeout, as was the case in the Saints/Rams game. It was before the 2 minute warning, and on a completion to Ernie Conwell, Mike Furrey took the ball from Conwell after he'd been on his back for half a second, then goes 66 yards for a touchdown. The Saints cannot challenge the play. It is then ironic that, had the challenge system NOT been in place, this mistake would not have been made because Conwell would've been called down.

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

This isn't entirely accurate.

Often they will let the play continue, then declare the runner down. This means that they aren't blowing the whistle, so it's still at least eligible to go either way.

I'm not about to say that the refs are perfect, though.

Josh

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

Yes, the great fumble again. Remember this solution.

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

[ QUOTE ]
Yes, the great fumble again. Remember this solution.

[/ QUOTE ]

It was ruled an interception.

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Yes, the great fumble again. Remember this solution.

[/ QUOTE ]

It was ruled an interception.

[/ QUOTE ]

OK, I didn't see it. I was thinking of the SD/PHI game that ended with a fumble.

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

Should the challenge system be abolished and replaced with a video review system? In other words all decisions go up to the booth.

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

[ QUOTE ]
Should the challenge system be abolished and replaced with a video review system? In other words all decisions go up to the booth.

[/ QUOTE ]

I really have no idea. It's like this in some college conferences and some of the plays just aren't reviewed that need to be.

There's really no system that can be instituted that will correct shitty refs.

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

I agree with Jack...both systems have flaws

obviously the Saints-Rams today

In college, I think of the fact that LSU's 4th down last heave at Arizona State was not reviewed. (BTW-I firmly believe that was not a catch because I read the NCAA rulebook. Some people dispute this. At the very least, the play should have been reviewed.)

The solution is not to scrap replay as some 'less intelligent' analysts proclaim. I've seen far too many blatant missed calls that determined the outcomes of games in the past. The replay system should be refined.

Re: Consequences of the Challenge System
 

Are there any statistics that show fumbles per game increasing since challenges were allowed?