Last night’s NFL opener was a great example of what I think is wrong with the instant-replay system.
The Ravens led the Broncos 17-14 early in the third quarter. The Broncos threw a third-down pass, which bounced before the receiver caught it. It sounded like it was obvious from what the announcers said on the replay. Had the call been correct, the Broncos punt. Harbaugh didn’t challenge, the pass was allowed for a first down, and the Broncos went on to score a TD to go up 21-17. The Ravens fumbled the kick deep in their territory, and the Broncos scored again to go up 28-17. With the momentum change, they quickly scored again to go up 35-17, basically ending the game in the third quarter.
This is my problem with the challenge system. I have always believed that when the booth can see these bad calls, they should be communicated from the booth to the refs. The challenges should be for when this is not done. Millions of people watching were all aware of the bad call, and probably many in the stadium, but even though this was obvious and known, NOTHING was done about it. How is that a good system? Is the point to get the calls right (within reason), or is the point to make sure the human element is kept in the game? This call could very well have decided the outcome of this game, and the outcome of the playoffs if it helps determine homefield advantage, etc. I will continue to ask–why not get it right?