Refs to help Hawks figure out Pats Defensive formations

[Skooby]

Sounds like the league is starting to push back against the Pats:

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/29/carroll-says-refs-will-help-seahawks-figure-out-patriots-formations/#comment-3986333 (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/29/carroll-says-refs-will-help-seahawks-figure-out-patriots-formations/#comment-3986333)

[GreedoII]

That's fine. NE was being cheap about it and the refs I think were even confused....NE is such a bunch of chumps it isn't funny

[Pinkerton Security]

I had a question about this during the Colts game - I feel like I remember when a lineman was declared as an eligible receiver, they would OVER THE LOUDSPEAKER announce that said player has been declared an eligible receiver. Am I wrong in this, and if not, why wasn't this happening?

[justasportsfan]

Any chance the refs would NOT tell the pats player were to line up during a FG atttempt?

[stuckincincy]

Didn't SEA already get the payback from the refs last year, for the screw job they later admitted to when they played PGH in the 2005 season SB? IIRC, it was the season hailed by the media as the Jerome Bettis Victory Tour.

[casdhf]

Love the cry baby pat fan comments in there lol

[Dr. Lecter]

That's not the refs job.

[Generalissimus Gibby]

Remember that scene from the Dark Knight Rises. . . . Yeah, I would not necessarily complain if that happened on the opening kickoff as I absolutely hate New Cheatland and I find Pete Carroll to be a total ass.

[BertSquirtgum]

That's not the refs job.

Yes it is.

[YardRat]

If it's clear in the rules that the official must announce eligible/ineligible, than the ball shouldn't be placed and cleared for play until the announcement is made, so I would agree it is part of their job. Unfortunate for Baltimore and Indy that the refs are just catching up on the rules, and their responsibilities.

[Skooby]

Should defenses guess who's eligible ? The offense reports to the refs who report to the defense.

[DynaPaul]

A long time ago they used to announce it on the stadium PA. I see no reason why that can't continue. If you're not going to play the game like it's supposed to be played that's what is going to happen. Linemen aren't receivers or running backs.

[Ngxtreme13]

This league is an absolute mess

[Mace]

This is one of those rare championships where I despise both teams and wish the other would wipe that smirk off their face.

Someone has to win though so I'll be happy.

[Meathead]

this wasnt cheating it was just being unsportsmanlike. deception is a key part of lots of trick plays and always will be. the nfl has just decided that they dont want to allow an offense that has practiced being intentionally deceptive BEFORE the ball is snapped to use that as a competitive disadvantage through the referees process, so they are going to slow everything down and make sure the defense knows what the subs are. that pretty much erases the pre-snap advantage for the filthy cheaters who in this magic instance arent cheating for once

[Novacane]

The ref should announce it to the crowd like he does a penalty before the play is allowed to start.

[The King]

Belichick is literally out smarting the NFL and they're coming off like clowns in the process.

[Skooby]

Belichick is literally out smarting the NFL and they're coming off like clowns in the process.

Couldn't be more dead on.