ode Thanks, ode... I didn't see that play live. I was doing other things during portions of the game as I wasn't that interested in it. I saw the replays several times later and I truly was shocked they called it a TD until I remembered Goodell going on about changing the rule or clarifying it because fans don't like it. I honestly feel that call was a reaction to Goodell's words. The NFL doesn't want to take TD's the fans think are TD's away even if in this case it was the wrong call, which to me, it blatantly was...not even close.
So, they said the call stood, so they didn't see irrefutable evidence to overturn? I have to say I am just stunned by that decision. I read that football experts on twitter were about 50-50 on whether it was a catch or not. I'd love to get in a room with those who think it was good and go over it frame by frame. I think frame by frame is vital to getting a call correct. I feel like this was one of those MLB double play plays where the guy isn't on the bag but they call him out anyway because he's close. That ball moved half a football length downward in Clement's arms and then he was out of bounds when in control. Are those who are saying it was a good catch saying that didn't constitute a lack of possession? There's no possessing of the ball until it stops moving in his arms. Toes of 2nd foot are on the white when the ball finally settles. I guess it also reminds of the old Steven Covey bit used in his book with the old lady and the young lady where depending on your perspective she looks young or old but she's actually both. Would've been interesting if they'd called it no catch. Would they have overturned it? I doubt it. A Belichick eye roll is worth a no catch. There was no such eye roll on the Ertz play because that was good TD.
As for Foles, Eagles fans may have been fortunate Wentz got hurt. Who knows how the 2nd year kid from ND State handles the pressure of big games? He may have folded where Foles shined.
The Ertz play was simple when considering he made a football move taking 2-3 steps before diving in with possession.
Oh, and you can't get rid of instant replay if the networks are going to still use it. If you're going to get rid of it, forbid the networks to use it. Replay is a WONDERFUL advancement in sports. It's shocking how often it still doesn't work properly and experts are giving conflicting opinions. Micro chips are already in use and need to be implemented. Will you, though, ever be able to trust the data is on the up and up? Could always be manipulated just like replay decision and on field decisions. That's one of the reasons I don't care for figure skating or gymnastics. Someone's subjective opinion is appointing winners and losers. The 4 major sports aren't really that far off from the same exact thing even with replay.
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W9cEkenh6dcnGVnC1Cg2RGgr02k=/0x0:517x291/920x0/filters:focal(0x0:517x291):gifv():no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/10155705/whatiscatchdude.0.gif