The league has to address these routes

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Sounds like a bunch of people whining and ridiculous conspiracy theories. The Patriots aren't invincible and if the refs aren't going to call it than its our coaches and players who need to figure out how to stop it, plain and simple. What's the alternative? Cry about it and give up? The Patriots had the better team that's why we lost.

Please point out the conspiracy theory. The Pats did run pick plays that were not called. As was pointed out Amendola jumped into the defender on the long Edelman reception in the second half.

You are not qualified to be a 'we' with me. Speak for yourself.

 

[coult44]

Not long ago, Seattle took the approach that its defensive backs would be so physical with receivers on every play, referees wouldn't have the gumption to throw a flag on every play. The referees would adjust - which they did - and the game would play to the Seahawks favor.

The league responded, and now we have these constant contact and holding calls on the defense. It's unwatchable at times, but the NFL doesn't want to obstruct the offense and hack off Fantasy Footballers everywhere.

Now, the NFL has a new problem.

New England, Denver, Green Bay, and others now take the approach that they're going to run illegal pick plays so much, that they can live with the small percentage that get called for pass interference. Yesterday, the refs called two offensive pass interference penalties on the Patriots, when in fact, they could have called 20. Once again, teams are conditioning referees to adjust to the style the team wants to play.

So what now? Is the NFL going to start calling these more often and limit the production of the game's top quarterbacks? I doubt it.

What's especially bothersome is that they're so intentional. This isn't accidentally happening like a defensive PI; these are DESIGNED ILLEGAL PLAYS. They need to be more harshly punished.

For a pick play, I propose 15 yards and a loss of down. Make it hurt. For teams like New England, 1st and 20 is no big deal because they'll just pick their way to another first down. If they do it again, add a loss of a challenge or a timeout. Get these routes out of the game.

I'd also like to eliminate these instant bubble screens where one receiver just takes off blocking, and if the other receiver can catch the ball soon enough, it's legal. Receivers should be running routes on pass plays, not clearing out paths for wide open routes behind them.

So much of this game needs an overhaul. There are too many rules as it is, but this is an area that needs to be addressed, while other areas need to be simplified (what is a catch anyway?).

Dallas was successful against New England early yesterday. The pass rush was eating Brady alive. Then, they just employed their series of illegal pick plays, and suddenly, no problem.

Another way to end it would be for a strong safety to put his helmet under a chin of One of the WR's and knock him out of the game. It wouldn't take long for them to stop.

 

[SultanOfSix]

Does anybody here know what the official rules are on illegal pick plays?

YR

If thou seest a Pats player doeth this, then call it once or twice in the game. But knowest that thee must not call it often for they doeth it nearly all of the time, and so it will destroyeth their offense, and hence their image of greatness.

 

[btcutter]

There should be an illegal contact penalty on offense as well.

 

[TheCount]

Refs just need to get better at spotting and calling the illegal picks, I don't think there is any way to effectively outlaw the idea of natural picks.

 

[aria]

Please point out the conspiracy theory. The Pats did run pick plays that were not called. As was pointed out Amendola jumped into the defender on the long Edelman reception in the second half.

You are not qualified to be a 'we' with me. Speak for yourself.

Wow, you think pretty highly of yourself, please post a your list of qualifications for everyone to see. I'm chomping at the bit for a new internet friend.

The conspiracy theory I'm referencing is people thinking the officials purposely target the Cowboys with no calls and penalties. Did the Pats get away with some questionable/illegal moves? Yes. Every game penalities are committed by both teams and they're not all called, that's football and always has been.

I didn't hear anyone crying about the mugging we got away with in the playoffs last year vs Detroit or Dez running out on the field with his helmet off, arguing with officials and not getting a penalty but the minute Dez's catch was ruled incomplete everyone started crying and complaining that the refs were purposely targeting us to make up for the no call.

It's ridiculous and I'm sick of the excuses. It sucks but that's the way it is, better get a box of tissues because it's not going to suddenly change.

 

[sbark]

Either the league needs to address it or we need to join the party. I suspect however, if the Cowboys started carving up defenses with pick plays the competition committee would review have a new rule the very next season...

and then the Cowboys would have another rule named after them...........the Dez rule or the Beasley rule

 

[erod]

Yes. Every game penalities are committed by both teams and they're not all called, that's football and always has been.

There's the problem.

This isn't an offensive linemen getting away with a hold, or a defensive end who jumped and didn't get an encroachment penalty.

This is a TEAM that is purposefully running illegal plays repeatedly because they know they'll usually get away with it.

This is premeditated rule breaking.

 

[30yrheel]

Nothing is changing. Just keep banging your head against the wall.

 

[erod]

Nothing is changing. Just keep banging your head against the wall.

It did for the defense a couple of years ago. But I agree, if it affects Fantasy Football, nothing will change.

 

[aria]

There's the problem.

This isn't an offensive linemen getting away with a hold, or a defensive end who jumped and didn't get an encroachment penalty.

This is a TEAM that is purposefully running illegal plays repeatedly because they know they'll usually get away with it.

This is premeditated rule breaking.

I get it and it needs to change but in the mean time the Cowboys have to deal with it or start doing it themselves. I'm not saying it makes it ok but this isn't the reason they lost.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Wow, you think pretty highly of yourself, please post a your list of qualifications for everyone to see. I'm chomping at the bit for a new internet friend.

The conspiracy theory I'm referencing is people thinking the officials purposely target the Cowboys with no calls and penalties. Did the Pats get away with some questionable/illegal moves? Yes. Every game penalities are committed by both teams and they're not all called, that's football and always has been.

I didn't hear anyone crying about the mugging we got away with in the playoffs last year vs Detroit or Dez running out on the field with his helmet off, arguing with officials and not getting a penalty but the minute Dez's catch was ruled incomplete everyone started crying and complaining that the refs were purposely targeting us to make up for the no call.

It's ridiculous and I'm sick of the excuses. It sucks but that's the way it is, better get a box of tissues because it's not going to suddenly change.

What I think of myself is besides the point. I said I am not part of your 'we.' Everyone should speak for themselves.

As for my 'qualifications:' I don't think in terms of blame and excuses although I do think your diabtribe after telling me I was full of myself was a nice touch. I think in terms of cause and effect. I try to understand why and how things happen. I refuse to put it in deluded terms of the team being beholden or accountable to me in any way, shape, or form to try and rationalize the angst I feel after a loss. Tissue indeed.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I get it and it needs to change but in the mean time the Cowboys have to deal with it or start doing it themselves. I'm not saying it makes it ok but this isn't the reason they lost.

So you support everyone cheating over a fair standard?

 

[jday]

Another way to end it would be for a strong safety to put his helmet under a chin of One of the WR's and knock him out of the game. It wouldn't take long for them to stop.

This is along the lines of what I was thinking. In game, you can't have them change the rule, so if they refuse to stop using the pick play, start laying out receivers responsible for the pick...chances are the opposition will decline whatever penalty results from illegal contact, considering the play likely gifts them a long gain anyways, if not a touchdown.

 

[Nightman]

Another way to end it would be for a strong safety to put his helmet under a chin of One of the WR's and knock him out of the game. It wouldn't take long for them to stop.

I remember Welker getting hammered in DEN a couple years ago on one of these plays.

The SS needs to drop an elbow on Edelman and Amnendola. They talk so much for being little guys knowing the rules are the only thing keeping them in the league. Ronnie Lott would have snacked on guys like them.

 

[Idgit]

I hate 'em. The league needs to call them better, definitely. The next best option is to let players blow up picking players and to play loose with the illegal contact flags, though that's a less-good solution for obvious reasons.

And yeah, the Cowboys should be running them until they're called properly by officials. Just as we should have had our CBs committing PIs more often downfield like SEA did.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Bring the Hammer down they'll stop picking. What's a catch? What's Defensive Pass Interference? What's a Pick Play by the WR?



Very murky rules set by the NFL out of pure laziness or with the intention to control the out come of games from New York!

 

[btcutter]

I remember Welker getting hammered in DEN a couple years ago on one of these plays.

The SS needs to drop an elbow on Edelman and Amnendola. They talk so much for being little guys knowing the rules are the only thing keeping them in the league. Ronnie Lott would have snacked on guys like them.

They'll end up calling illegal contact on D. You can't win.

 

[JohnsKey19]

NE has mastered the art of pushing the limits. They know good and well the refs simply wont call every blatant pick. Notice you barely got a reaction out of Belichek when he did get flagged. You take 2 flags while the other 5 go uncalled.

 

[Swanny]

Not long ago, Seattle took the approach that its defensive backs would be so physical with receivers on every play, referees wouldn't have the gumption to throw a flag on every play. The referees would adjust - which they did - and the game would play to the Seahawks favor.

The league responded, and now we have these constant contact and holding calls on the defense. It's unwatchable at times, but the NFL doesn't want to obstruct the offense and hack off Fantasy Footballers everywhere.

Now, the NFL has a new problem.

New England, Denver, Green Bay, and others now take the approach that they're going to run illegal pick plays so much, that they can live with the small percentage that get called for pass interference. Yesterday, the refs called two offensive pass interference penalties on the Patriots, when in fact, they could have called 20. Once again, teams are conditioning referees to adjust to the style the team wants to play.

So what now? Is the NFL going to start calling these more often and limit the production of the game's top quarterbacks? I doubt it.

What's especially bothersome is that they're so intentional. This isn't accidentally happening like a defensive PI; these are DESIGNED ILLEGAL PLAYS. They need to be more harshly punished.

For a pick play, I propose 15 yards and a loss of down. Make it hurt. For teams like New England, 1st and 20 is no big deal because they'll just pick their way to another first down. If they do it again, add a loss of a challenge or a timeout. Get these routes out of the game.

I'd also like to eliminate these instant bubble screens where one receiver just takes off blocking, and if the other receiver can catch the ball soon enough, it's legal. Receivers should be running routes on pass plays, not clearing out paths for wide open routes behind them.

So much of this game needs an overhaul. There are too many rules as it is, but this is an area that needs to be addressed, while other areas need to be simplified (what is a catch anyway?).

Dallas was successful against New England early yesterday. The pass rush was eating Brady alive. Then, they just employed their series of illegal pick plays, and suddenly, no problem.

The reason I DO NOT have an issue with it is because EVERYONE can do it. The Patriots and Packers ate just better at it than anybody else. If it is so easy why doesn't every offense do it? The game is becoming unwatchable because they have made defense impossible. I do agree with that. It's even worse when I watch these players tackle. I see a player lower a shoulder or helmet into the waist of an offensive player and the announcer states what a great tackle that was is scary! Kids see these idiots tackle like that and think it's the right way