Packers got one taken away from them vs. Seattle in 2012. Fail Mary. It happens.

True that games are about big plays, but you shouldn't be in a position where you rely on a big play to win the game. You should be in a position where a call doesn't affect your game's outcome. Would he have lost the game for Dallas had he not brought the ball down?

Article 5 Non-Reviewable Plays include, but are not limited to:
1. Status of the play or game clock.
2. Proper down.
3. Penalty administration.
4. Runner ruled down by defensive contact (not involving fumbles).
5. The position of the ball not relating to first down or goal line.
6. Recovery of a loose ball that does not involve a boundary line or the end zone.
7. Field - goal or Try attempts that cross above either upright without touching anything.
8. Inadvertent /Erroneous Whistle.
9. Quarterback “spike” to kill clock.

A challenge would fall under 3.

PS After reviewing the Rule Book I sympathize with the referees...

I still disagree 100%. This is why we watch, the outcome is in doubt, neither team runs roughshod over the other. One team is marginally better. Until the referee robs them...

Yes, ideally you aren't in a position where you need a big play, but if you are, and you legitimately make the play, you deserve the points. And your failure to score in the first quarter is not the main reason you lost.

That's just an inherent weakness of the NFL. In a 16 game schedule and single elimination playoff format, officiating is in the position to have a more significant impact. When there is a close or judgement call, it can change the outcome of the game, and consequently a season, or even a career, (how many post-season Romo wins are there?). In baseball over the course of a season, the calls tend to even out, but in the NFL,the players cannot play 162 games, nor a best of series format in the playoffs.

It doesn't matter which way that call goes, the losing team and their fans are going to claim the refs got it wrong, and that play's outcome determines the game, and to this point their postseason. That is just the way the NFL rolls. But then, I'm a Steelers fan, and I'm convinced that the rules changes, and their enforcement are simply an effort to keep the from having to change the trophy's name from Lombardi to Rooney.

It is also the inherent strength. One game, anyone can win...

I am rethinking this. Suppose a team is awarded a first down as the running back leaves the field of play on the sideline. The defending team challenges and has the call reversed, it is now fourth and one.

The offense could then challenge that outcome claiming the defense had 12 players on the field.

I believe this sequence would allow a double challenge on one play....

All I am saying is one play does not make or break a game.

That's not the weakness, it is the influence the officiating can have if it determines who wins even one game.

The significance of each game can drive the excitement and immediacy of the NFL, but it also results in officiating having a bearing on a team's season, and that is a weakness, to me at least, perhaps I'm in the minority. To me the officials' impact on a game, and perhaps a season, makes the whole league less compelling.

I finally watched the slo-mo replay... that is not a trip.

I'd take Peyton Manning as he is now over 3/4 of the QB's currently in the league and win more games with him. If you watched him before he got that thigh injury (or whatever it was) he was making the game look easy. The truth is, his offensive coordinator didn't help him in the game against Indy. TERRIBLE play calling. Receivers weren't getting open and the running game wasn't clicking. I think Peyton could play another year or two and still be a top tier QB. Remember, this guy who is basically being called "washed up" helped win all but 4 games during the regular season. Pretty good by any standard.

So it's clear, the above came from a Steeler fan, not a Denver fan.

I watched that game, saw the play, watched every replay of it and agree with Bryant. I think that was a terrible call. BUT if one call makes or breaks a game for the team.. they did something really bad wrong the rest of the game.

After turnovers by both teams.....3-0 Packers - still 1st Qtr.

Now GB gets another turnover on the Hawk kickoff...wow....

GB should have thrown it on the last 1st down. Settled for a second FG in the red zone...not sure if that will come back to haunt them....

Packers need to make the most of their opportunities.
6-0 needed to be 14-0.
On the bright side, I'm up 14-0 because GB is an 8 point dog.

Matt

I wonder if Seattle is planning on showing up ? Wow what an ugly first half for a home game.

Holy sh&t sticks Batman!

I almost had a heart attack, I still cannot believe it.

Heroic comeback.

Can't believe they came back from such a wretched first half! Holy smokes!