Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

I posted this in another thread, but then I figured it deserved its own thread.

I really think they should get rid of instant replay. I don't like having too much communication between the booth and the guys calling the game. People may say, "well, instant replay helps them get it right." To that, I say, "so?" The referee is [B]always[/B] right. Whatever he rules is what "occurred" on the play. A lot less funny business would go on if the guys on the field would just use their judgment and there was no time to review plays, we just went with what they saw.

I'm sorry, instant replay totally changes the game of football and I think that's definately a negative. "Getting it right" is usually an excuse for being able to get it wrong initially. I don't want second guessing. I want one call, from the officials, and that becomes history. Too many times, instant replay totally changes a game. Getting it right or not, one team still gets screwed, as well as the fans.

I'm with John Madden on this one. Every play in football is now about "was his knee down before the fumble?", "was his arm moving forward before it was hit?", "did he trap that one?" All thanks to instant replay. Guess what, who cares? If it looks like a fumble and smells like a fumble then it's a fumble. When the ground causes the fumble, the official knows right away and rules it down by contact, that never needs to be reviewed anyway. The location of a guy's knee has no bearing on the likeliness that he will cough up the ball. I hate cop outs.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;389040]I posted this in another thread, but then I figured it deserved its own thread.

I really think they should get rid of instant replay. I don't like having too much communication between the booth and the guys calling the game. People may say, "well, instant replay helps them get it right." To that, I say, "so?" The referee is [B]always[/B] right. Whatever he rules is what "occurred" on the play. A lot less funny business would go on if the guys on the field would just use their judgment and there was no time to review plays, we just went with what they saw.

I'm sorry, instant replay totally changes the game of football and I think that's definately a negative. "Getting it right" is usually an excuse for being able to get it wrong initially. I don't want second guessing. I want one call, from the officials, and that becomes history. Too many times, instant replay totally changes a game. Getting it right or not, one team still gets screwed, as well as the fans.

I'm with John Madden on this one. Every play in football is now about "was his knee down before the fumble?", "was his arm moving forward before it was hit?", "did he trap that one?" All thanks to instant replay. Guess what, who cares? If it looks like a fumble and smells like a fumble then it's a fumble. When the ground causes the fumble, the official knows right away and rules it down by contact, that never needs to be reviewed anyway. The location of a guy's knee has no bearing on the likeliness that he will cough up the ball. I hate cop outs.[/QUOTE]


There is a reason there was an out cry for instant replay, if you think you have complaints now about bad calls wait until it bites us in the ass and some nit wit ref rules a fumble after a player hit the ground long before he fumbled, or a catch that is ruled out when it's as clear as day that he was in, and we lose a big game, much easier to get screwed that way, and the way the NFL feels about Snyder I want them to have as little of an opportunity to screw us as possible, in case you haven't noticed we haven't exactly been the poster boys for favorable calls since Snyder took over.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

it gets more calls right than wrong, and it's better than losing a game because some 60 year old didn't see it clearly the first time (which happens).

there's really not much support for getting it removed, and even colleges are seeing that it's a good idea now.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

no way. these guys are part time officials, and every game is a nail biter. i would tweak it alittle by having an official in the booth make the decision. that way the on field referee doesn't have to think about his buddies feelings when over turning a call

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;389040]

I'm with John Madden on this one. Every play in football is now about "was his knee down before the fumble?", "was his arm moving forward before it was hit?", "did he trap that one?" All thanks to instant replay. Guess what, who cares? If it looks like a fumble and smells like a fumble then it's a fumble. When the ground causes the fumble, the official knows right away and rules it down by contact, that never needs to be reviewed anyway. The location of a guy's knee has no bearing on the likeliness that he will cough up the ball. I hate cop outs.[/QUOTE]


I agree with that statement. When Im watching a game whenever the opposition makes a productive play I immediately start thinking, challenge it, were his feet in? etc its no way to watch a game as a football fan....I am in favor of replay, the challenges are way too long tho and it slows down a game already infested with commercials. Having a ref in the booth would be perfect. Also I think any play in the final 60 seconds should be reviewable, the Kellen Winslow incident where they reviewed his feet not landing in bounds but clearly saw him getting forced out of bounds comes to mind.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

I'm on the fence. I do see the need for replay because of the speed of the game and you've got 22 guys out there running around and it's tough to always have the best angles on plays, but at the same time instant replay allows for too much nitpicking with the rules.

I think they just need to continue tweeking the system. I don't see it going away.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

Its about getting it right. But we can't expect instant replay to be perfect because at the end we're all human. I say keep it, it works more often than not but there's no way to get the human aspect out of the game because in the end, we're all human. Well outside of Adrian Peterson and "Aquaman" Sean Taylor.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

The year before they brought it back was particularly egregious. I forget the teams but there was one play where they misplaced the spot of the ball by like 2 yards on fourth down changing the outcome of the game.

I think they do a really good job in college, especially in the Big 10 which is what I usually watch. There is no challenge system, but the guys upstairs do a really good job in only reviewing truly questionable calls.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

Its here to stay and I feel it needs to stay. There is too much going on durn any given play for a hand full of guys to catch everything that goes on. We see all of the time a ref with a bad angle (which they canot alway help) making a call which is clearly the wrong call and getting over turned on replay. I do think that they need to move it to the booth letting someone else review the call as it works much faster and they can usually have the call before the challange is even made.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

I think college football is even better when it comes to this. In college "technically every play is reviewed". That way, credit is always given where it is due. I think the NFL should adapt the way college runs the review. I think force outs should be added to the list of things that can be reviewed. Did ya'll see the Browns get screwd at the end of the game last week? Maybe add penelties as well.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

Can you still call it an experiment? They've had it on and off in one form or another for almost 20 years I think. Its here to stay.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[quote=70Chip;389141]Can you still call it an experiment? They've had it on and off in one form or another for almost 20 years I think. Its here to stay.[/quote]

I agree, it's not an experiment, it's here to stay.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

I'm kind of a fan. I'm not going to lie. I've always loved it, always will. It's not going anywhere, and I'm glad we can "get it right".

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

go points Gtripp, it has def slowed the flow of the game down with what you mentioned of all the micro-analysis of every play but i think it is here to stay for better or worse, just needs to be sped up a bit . . . good thread and begininng analysis

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

Replay is here to stay and it's a good thing.. I'd rather the ref take the time to get the call right rather than scrap it and have games decided by a 67 year old in the cold and rain trying to watch 4 different things in a split second and guessing at what he thinks he saw.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

Wasn't instant replay made permanent last offseason?

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

any fan who has been to a game knows that more time is spent waiting for tv to air beer and dick commercials than anything else. A little time to get the calls right, or at least try to, is worth it.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

We need replay. Keep streamlining it, but it is a necessary evil. I mean every game almost the refs absolutely blow a call. Maybe they rely on it too much, but I'm tired of people whining about the three minutes it takes to get it right. Would you rather have the enduring anger and disappointment of knowing how bad the call was instead?

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;389040]I posted this in another thread, but then I figured it deserved its own thread.

I really think they should get rid of instant replay. I don't like having too much communication between the booth and the guys calling the game. People may say, "well, instant replay helps them get it right." To that, I say, "so?" The referee is [B]always[/B] right. Whatever he rules is what "occurred" on the play. A lot less funny business would go on if the guys on the field would just use their judgment and there was no time to review plays, we just went with what they saw.

I'm sorry, instant replay totally changes the game of football and I think that's definately a negative. "Getting it right" is usually an excuse for being able to get it wrong initially. I don't want second guessing. I want one call, from the officials, and that becomes history. Too many times, instant replay totally changes a game. Getting it right or not, one team still gets screwed, as well as the fans.

I'm with John Madden on this one. Every play in football is now about "was his knee down before the fumble?", "was his arm moving forward before it was hit?", "did he trap that one?" All thanks to instant replay. Guess what, who cares? If it looks like a fumble and smells like a fumble then it's a fumble. When the ground causes the fumble, the official knows right away and rules it down by contact, that never needs to be reviewed anyway. The location of a guy's knee has no bearing on the likeliness that he will cough up the ball. I hate cop outs.[/QUOTE]

I couldn't disagree more. Getting it right, meaning actually making the correct call based on what actually happened, is the most important thing. You're implying that what the refs say happened is what did happen. Pragmatically I agree. But just because the call went one way and the game continued from there doesn't mean the call was right.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[quote=GTripp0012;389040]I posted this in another thread, but then I figured it deserved its own thread.

I really think they should get rid of instant replay. I don't like having too much communication between the booth and the guys calling the game. People may say, "well, instant replay helps them get it right." To that, I say, "so?" The referee is [B]always[/B] right. Whatever he rules is what "occurred" on the play. A lot less funny business would go on if the guys on the field would just use their judgment and there was no time to review plays, we just went with what they saw.

I'm sorry, instant replay totally changes the game of football and I think that's definately a negative. "Getting it right" is usually an excuse for being able to get it wrong initially. I don't want second guessing. I want one call, from the officials, and that becomes history. Too many times, instant replay totally changes a game. Getting it right or not, one team still gets screwed, as well as the fans.

I'm with John Madden on this one. Every play in football is now about "was his knee down before the fumble?", "was his arm moving forward before it was hit?", "did he trap that one?" All thanks to instant replay. Guess what, who cares? If it looks like a fumble and smells like a fumble then it's a fumble. When the ground causes the fumble, the official knows right away and rules it down by contact, that never needs to be reviewed anyway. The location of a guy's knee has no bearing on the likeliness that he will cough up the ball. I hate cop outs.[/quote]

Replay isn't going anywhere. As much as it slows the game down it helps and that's all that matters. This is not baseball or basketball where you have 3-4 games a week. When it comes to football you have to get it right because of the importance of the games. If the NFL would follow college it would work alot smoother.

Let me give you an example. I remember the 90 season when we were playing Philly in a wild card game. Replay was kind of new back then. Earnest Byner got hit low and his upper body fell forward and his elbow hit first. The ball fell out of his arm. The ground clearly caused a fumble. The ref called it a fumble and The Eagles defender ran it back for a TD. Replay took a look at it and the call was reversed.

My point is if they had not gotten this call right we probably lose the game over a bad call. It's a playoff game and the ref missed the call. Too much is riding on it for the refs not get it right. I'll never ever forget that play and from then on I'm sold on replay.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

If we really want to try and improve the calls the NFL should go ahead and hire young referees, I can't understand the need for an old man who's reactionary time and eye site has faded, in other words a day late and a dollar short, get some young guys in there!

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

Well this was definitely an unexpected thread, and Gtripp you brought some good points to the table. It's hard to say where I stand on this and personally I can live with or without instant replay. I don't think they will though because it brings a whole new element to the game with the challenges and it really does make sure the game is done right. I've seen some pretty lousy calls that have gotten overturned.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

I believe Instant replay is needed, but I feel it needs to be revamped again. I believe colleges use a much better version of instant replay. The NFL needs to review interference and change the ruling on not being able to review a force out. An interference call is as bad as a turnover and should be reviewable.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

I love instant replay. Looking at the rule I cannot really understand why you would want to get rid of it. Calls on the field stand unless there is indisputable evidence that the call was wrong. Considering that the margin of victory typically being less than 7 points, that turnovers often decide games, and that instant replays are only used when the coach thinks the blown call will affect the outcome of the game or when time is short (i.e., inside of 2 minutes), I think the costs of instant replay are vastly outweighed by its benefits.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

Here's my number one problem with the system: Why do they have the ref come off the field and get in a little voting-booth type thing. How about this: have a replay official (or two) in a booth upstairs, in the dark and quiet, with a number of big screen hi-def monitors. They can look at the play much quicker and much more effectively. Then they call down to the ref and tell him what the call is. They do something like this in hockey, if I'm not mistaken. And college, right? It's not like the ref makes every call on the field anyway. I've never understood that.

I think it might make more sense to make PI a 15 (or 20, if you want) yard penalty. The killer is when it's a 60 yard thing. But reviewing it will not help--it's VERY subjective. Not much to do about that--it's kinda like NBA calls. The main issue is the crazy yardage you can get--it can win or lose games. Force outs are similar.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[quote=JWsleep;389468]Here's my number one problem with the system: Why do they have the ref come off the field and get in a little voting-booth type thing. How about this: have a replay official (or two) in a booth upstairs, in the dark and quiet, with a number of big screen hi-def monitors. They can look at the play much quicker and much more effectively. Then they call down to the ref and tell him what the call is. They do something like this in hockey, if I'm not mistaken. And college, right? It's not like the ref makes every call on the field anyway. I've never understood that.[/quote]


I was about to say the same thing. Have officials in the booth upstairs make the call on a much bigger hi def tv, and then just radio it down to the man in charge on the field, speeds up the process and IMO it would be more accurate than one guy on the field looking through a tiny TV, take it all to the booth and just relay the message.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[quote=HOGTIMUS PRIME;389246]If we really want to try and improve the calls the NFL should go ahead and hire young referees, I can't understand the need for an old man who's reactionary time and eye site has faded, in other words a day late and a dollar short, get some young guys in there![/quote]

It's not like there's a bunch of guys in wheelchairs and walkers out there. What exactly is old to you?

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

I support replay, as long as the following things are changed:

1.) Make every play/call reviewable.

2.) No challenge flags. Coaches shouldn't be able to challenge plays -- only the officials. A challenge shouldn't be part of a coach's "strategy".

3.) Remove the on-field officials from the replay equation. Have special officials designated for replay reviews (probably located in a booth with TVs).

4.) Make the calls overturned only by indisputable evidence. I know they say that's what they do, but I don't buy it. Too many times have I seen reversals from questionable footage.

5.) Show the fans the replays that the officials see. If a play is reversed by a replay, the fans have the right to know what footage was evidence for the reversal.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[QUOTE=GhettoDogAllStars;389623]I support replay, as long as the following things are changed:

1.) Make every play/call reviewable.

2.) [B]No challenge flags. Coaches shouldn't be able to challenge plays -- only the officials. A challenge shouldn't be part of a coach's "strategy".[/B]

3.) Remove the on-field officials from the replay equation. Have special officials designated for replay reviews (probably located in a booth with TVs).

4.) Make the calls overturned only by indisputable evidence. I know they say that's what they do, but I don't buy it. Too many times have I seen reversals from questionable footage.

5.) Show the fans the replays that the officials see. If a play is reversed by a replay, the fans have the right to know what footage was evidence for the reversal.[/QUOTE]


I agree specifically with #2 but I think you make some good suggestions. I'd like to see #5 as well...

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;389516]It's not like there's a bunch of guys in wheelchairs and walkers out there. What exactly is old to you?[/QUOTE]

Be careful insulting the old guys, you don't want Ed Hoculi coming over an ripping your head out through your ass. That dude is 60+ yrs old and looks like he could play middle linebacker.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[QUOTE=BleedBurgundy;389627]Be careful insulting the old guys, you don't want Ed Hoculi coming over an ripping your head out through your ass. That dude is 60+ yrs old and looks like he could play middle linebacker.[/QUOTE]

Lol. That guy clearly works his biceps before games, so he can give a good flex when making calls. Also, for some reason, "Ed Hoculi" sounds like a wrestling name.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;389040]I posted this in another thread, but then I figured it deserved its own thread.

I really think they should get rid of instant replay. I don't like having too much communication between the booth and the guys calling the game. People may say, "well, instant replay helps them get it right." To that, I say, "so?" The referee is [B]always[/B] right. Whatever he rules is what "occurred" on the play. A lot less funny business would go on if the guys on the field would just use their judgment and there was no time to review plays, we just went with what they saw.

I'm sorry, instant replay totally changes the game of football and I think that's definately a negative. "Getting it right" is usually an excuse for being able to get it wrong initially. I don't want second guessing. I want one call, from the officials, and that becomes history. Too many times, instant replay totally changes a game. Getting it right or not, one team still gets screwed, as well as the fans.

I'm with John Madden on this one. Every play in football is now about "was his knee down before the fumble?", "was his arm moving forward before it was hit?", "did he trap that one?" All thanks to instant replay. Guess what, who cares? If it looks like a fumble and smells like a fumble then it's a fumble. When the ground causes the fumble, the official knows right away and rules it down by contact, that never needs to be reviewed anyway. The location of a guy's knee has no bearing on the likeliness that he will cough up the ball. I hate cop outs.[/QUOTE]

You think the ref is always right? Well thats what you think now but I'm sure you wouln't think so if you lost an important game because a bad call. I don't think any team gets "screwed" if the right call is made. If you don't catch a ball inbounds then why would you get screwed if it's called an incomplete pass because of instant replay. There's a lot greater chance that a team gets screwed w/o instant replay.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

[quote=GTripp0012;389040]I'm sorry, instant replay totally changes the game of football and I think that's definately a negative. "Getting it right" is usually an excuse for being able to get it wrong initially. I don't want second guessing. I want one call, from the officials, and that becomes history. Too many times, instant replay totally changes a game. Getting it right or not, one team still gets screwed, as well as the fans.[/quote]

Here is why I am in favor of Instant replay...Anybody remember this?? This sold me on Instant Replay.... OH BTW...I was at that Body Bag Game In Philadelphia

Jan. 4, 1991

Redskins 20, Eagles 6

Eight weeks removed from the infamous "Body Bag Game" at the Vet - when Buddy Ryan's Eagles knocked nine players out of the game - the Redskins returned to the City of Brotherly Love and got their just desserts.

Behind 126 total yards from Earnest Byner, who caught a huge break when his first-half fumble was overturned by instant replay, Washington won this NFC wild card game in convincing fashion.

Re: Is it time to can the Instant Replay experiment?
 

true, until a call costs us a game