Super Jobbed

When did the NFL become the WWNFL? By that I mean when did the NFL feel they need to pre-determine the outcome of their games? This thought has been simmering inside me throughout the 2005 playoffs as I saw some of the worst officiated games I have ever seen. And all of the calls went to help the media darlings.

Let's face it, the Steeler's were the story yesterday. They mugs were on all of the commercials, they had more "personal stories" than the Seahawks had, and their fans outnumbered the Seahawk fans 9 or 10 to 1 depending on who you talked to. Perhaps that's why they got all the calls.

Don't believe me? Look again at the passing touchdown the Seahawks had called back due to offensive pass interference. Ticky-tack would be the nicest way of putting it. Watch the pass to Jeremy Stevens that got the Seahawks down close to the end zone that was called back by a phantom holding call. Take a look at the Rushing touchdown Burger King "scored." I am still waiting for that ball to cross the goal line. Not convinced? Hasselback throws an interception and then makes the tackle. In doing so he gets a penalty called against him for cutting a blocker by blocking below the knees. He dove to get the guy with the ball. This results in a 15 yard penalty and puts the Steelers in position to run a trick play that results in a touchdown. Still not enough? Watch the set of downs immediately following the touchdown. On every play the Steelers are offsides -- it is never called.

If I want to watch a game in which every play is predetermined, I will watch the NBA, MLB or WWF. Looks like golf is all that is left.