Week 3 Review

Referees signal touchdown in the controversial Hail Mary
pass from QB Russell Wilson to WR Golden Tate.

No one could have believed that after another weekend of football, the cries for the regular referees to return would grow louder. It has. After an uneventful start to Week 3, which resulted in an easy New York Giants victory over the Carolina Panthers, there was a lot to talk about at the conclusion of Week 3.

There were three overtime games going on at the same time in Miami, New Orleans, and Nashville. In Miami, the Miami Dolphins had an opportunity to win the game in overtime, but K Dan Carpenter missed his second field goal of the game to give the New York Jets new life. The Jets were able to capitalize and kick the game-winning field goal for the victory. The victory came at a cost however. CB Darrelle Revis, arguably the Jets best player, tore his ACL in the game and now has to miss the rest of the season, a big blow to the Jets defense.

RB Jamaal Charles runs it 91 yards for a touchdown in the
Chiefs victory.

In New Orleans, the New Orleans Saints were in firm control of the game, leading 24-6 at one point deep in the third quarter. However, a 91-yard touchdown run from Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles jump started the comeback, and K Ryan Succop was able to complete the comeback in overtime with a game-winning field goal, giving the Chiefs a 27-24 victory. This game was important for both teams, as they entered with 0-2 records. The Saints, expected to be Super Bowl contenders even without head coach Sean Payton, are now 0-3 and appear to be in a world of trouble.

In Nashville, the Tennessee Titans held a 20-9 halftime lead, and seemed to be in full control throughout the game against the Detroit Lions. The Titans had two special teams returns for touchdowns, including the first one which greatly resembled the Music City Miracle play in the 1999 AFC Wild Card game between the Titans and Buffalo Bills. It looked more troubling also when QB Matthew Stafford suffered what seems to be a hamstring injury.

Lions WR Titus Young catches a Hail Mary pass to send
the game into overtime.

On the last play of the game, the Lions, with backup QB Shaun Hill in the game, had no other choice but to throw a Hail Mary pass. The Lions were successful, as a member of the Titans defense attempted to bat the ball down to the ground. It landed in WR Titus Young’s hands, and he was able to get the score. After the Titans were able to get a field goal on their first possession, the Lions had a chance to tie it with a field goal. On 4th and 1, the Lions decided to go for the quarterback sneak and continue the possession instead of taking an easy field goal. The plan backfired, and they now fall to 1-2 as the Titans got their first victory of the season.

The Sunday and Monday night games were the most controversial games of the weekend. The Sunday night game was a rematch of the AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens. After the Patriots grabbed a commanding 13-0 lead in the second quarter, the Ravens came back easily and it was a back and forth affair going forward. However, there seemed to be a lot of calls that went against the Patriots, constantly giving the Ravens new life.

Ravens LB Ray Lewis and WR Torrey Smith embrace
after an emotional game for Smith.

Down nine in the fourth quarter, the Ravens were able to get a touchdown to WR Torrey Smith, who was playing with a heavy heart after the death of his brother earlier in the day. Smith scored two touchdowns, and questionable calls in the fourth quarter allowed the Ravens to get into field goal position for the win. Rookie K Justin Tucker, who took over for K Billy Cundiff, kicked the game-winning field goal in what appeared to have veered a little wide right. The Patriots took exception to the call, even to the point when head coach Bill Belichick attempted to chase down one of the referees unsuccessfully.

The Monday night matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks ended in more controversial fashion. It marred what was a hard-fought defensive battle by both teams. The Seahawks racked up eight sacks in the first half alone, after only accumulating two in the first two games combined. However, the Packers started to pick it up in the second half. However, controversial calls against the Seahawks put them at a slight disadvantage as the Packers eventually took the lead.

It appeared the game was over when QB Russell Wilson’s pass to WR Sidney Rice fell incomplete after WR Golden Tate put his hand on it. However, the Seahawks were able to get the ball back with under a minute to go after the Packers quickly went three and out. The last play of the game will be talked about for years to come. Wilson threw a Hail Mary pass into the end zone in what appeared to be an interception by S M.D. Jennings. However, Tate was able to partially wrestle the ball from Jennings on the ground, and the referees called a touchdown. After a review to see if the pass was incomplete, the play stood and left the Packers furious.

This appears to be the last straw for fans and players as they cry for the regular referees to return. Many Packers players voiced their displeasure with the turn of events on social media, while the Seahawks maintained their innocence. After a lot of confusion, both teams had to return to the field for the extra point to be converted to complete the game.

This weekend was certainly filled with entertaining finishes and controversial endings. This may have an affect on negotiations as the regular referees may use the incompetence of the replacement referees as a negotiation ploy. It might be in the best interest for the NFL to get the regulars back as soon as possible. The fans will still love the game regardless but the criticism week after week can have a financial effect sooner or later.

The Packers were most likely aware of the Hail Mary completion the Lions completed in their game against the Titans. They were probably against the idea of batting the ball down as a result of that play, which unfortunately backfired on them. When it comes to a Hail Mary, there is no proper way to defend. It is such a lucky play and more times than not, it is unsuccessful. As a defense, whatever you do, always keep your eye on the ball and position yourself to make the play because what happened to the Titans and Packers can happen to anyone, even if it appeared the Packers picked the ball off.