FOX/NFL
It’s been a rough season for NFL refs.
Earlier today it was reported that NFL officials had a meeting to tweak how they call holding calls after complaints from fans.
Senior VP of Officiating Al Riveron had a conference call with NFL referrees on Saturday and told them to de-emphasize holding calls, per @MikePereira.
“If the hands get outside, give the blockers a chance to work their hands back inside.”
Holding calls are up 64% this season.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 22, 2019
Unfortunately, refs have also been blowing calls on the field.
During today’s Eagles-Lions game, refs missed this obvious facemask call against the Lions despite the fact that Miles Sanders almost had his head ripped off on the play.
This was NOT called a facemask penalty.
The Detroit Lion who committed it was actually laughing on the sideline that he got away with it.
Fire every single one of your officials into the sun, @NFLOfficiating, you are ruining a great sport. https://t.co/ZmGUqG6Eu0
— Eagles Fan Central (@EagleFanCentral) September 22, 2019
Fans immediately ripped the refs to shreds for missing the call on the field.
The ref was literally looking right at the Lions player rip Miles Sanders’ helmet off via his facemask. No penalty. What the fuck is that? #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) September 22, 2019
The amount of things that could have happened to Miles Sanders’ neck and head here…for there to be no penalty is inexcusable. https://t.co/zmkfaNvywd
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) September 22, 2019
@NFLOfficiating you guys are an absolute joke. #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/mF1zSG7tc8
— Wit (@the1_wit) September 22, 2019
Glad to know it’s legal now to grab a facemask and make Miles Sanders’ head go all the way around
— FakeWIPCaller (@FakeWIPCaller) September 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/jpolidoro15/status/1175835916864249861
How do you not call this?
He’s spun his head around with the facemask***hole chants at Linc#Eagles pic.twitter.com/FQdK82DvIs
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) September 22, 2019