When arbitration tarnishes the image of the NFL

After last Thursday night’s excellent game between the Bengals and the Ravens, the NFL has another potential gem this Thursday between the Commanders and the Eagles for first place in the East division. It remains to be seen whether, once again, the pleasure will be further tarnished by the mediocrity of the refereeing in critical situations.

• Also read: It’s time to take the Steelers seriously

Some would argue that officiating in the NFL is not a new issue, but those who follow the games religiously will notice that officiating controversies have become commonplace.

Let’s be clear, to err is human. It is simply pointless to throw stones at the officials, who certainly do not get up in the morning to find out which team they are going to victimize.

The fact is that the NFL could do much better to supervise its referees and ensure greater stability. Mistakes are increasing this season.

On the air, the descriptors no longer even hesitate to decry the situation, as the legendary Al Michaels did last Thursday at the end of a thrilling duel, but spoiled by the refereeing.

Analyst and former quarterback Tom Brady, who cannot comment on officiating because he is also a minority owner of the Raiders, recently criticized the questionable ejection of Lions defensive back Brian Branch against the Packers.

Too much turnover

A recent article from New York Times reports abnormal turnover rate in NFL officiating department.

This season, no less than 27 of the 120 referees have three years or less experience. A third of civil servants have five years or less experience.

After the 2021 season, 10 officials left and after the 2022 season, around ten of them announced their departure.

According to some former officials who testified in the article, it takes a minimum of five years of experience to perform optimally in the NFL.

It is the same situation in terms of control of the civil service. At another time, Art McNally served as referee supervisor for 23 years. Jerry Seiman followed for 10 years, then Mike Pereira for 9 years.

Since 2010, there have been no fewer than five leadership changes and none have held the position for more than five years.

For what? First there are the major television networks which spend astronomical sums to seduce refereeing supervisors in order to attract them on the air to play the role of rules analysts. We see Pereira speaking regularly on FOX.

Dean Blandino, another former supervisor who made the jump to CBS, estimates that the salary of $215,000 to $315,000 for such an important position in an extremely wealthy league, whose commissioner Roger Goodell receives $60 million a year, does not is not competitive enough.

Failing technology

In addition to the enormous turnover rate, the blatant lack of experience of current referees and the absence of leadership above their heads in the long term, we must not lose sight of the fact that today’s referees could clearly be better supported by modern technology.

However, the NFL, while rolling in gold, still seems to be 40 years behind on some things in this regard.

A real video judge system allowing an official on the field to be quickly notified to review a decision, in all situations where the slightest question arises, should have been put in place a long time ago. We don’t talk about it once here or there, but constantly and regularly.

And what about the good old chains which date from a bygone era to measure a first test when everything could be measured to the nearest millimeter?

The league remains on its hands because the controversies that fuel the fire week after week in the media and on social networks are constantly talking about the NFL. You know the old adage: talk about it well or talk about it badly, but talk about it… To hell with image and credibility!

Yes, the NFL is looking for every technology available to improve the situation. Yes, the NFL has all the money in the world to hire full-time officials, invest in their training, and pay them so they don’t want to look elsewhere.

We know all this, but just because an organization is rich doesn’t mean it isn’t. cheap.

MY PREDICTION FOR THURSDAY NIGHT: Commanders 27 Eagles 34

THROUGH THE NFL…

Here’s Richardson again!

On Sunday and Monday, after another Colts loss and a dismal performance from quarterback Joe Flacco, head coach Shane Steichen said the veteran was keeping his job. Oddly, two days later, he made a move by announcing that young Anthony Richardson was returning to his starting position for Sunday’s duel against the Jets, for the rest of the season. It’s good to play the youngster, but you have to know how to adapt…

Pacheco close to a return

Injured in the second game of the season, fiery running back Isiah Pacheco is getting closer to a return to action with the Chiefs. Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula and returned to practice, but head coach Andy Reid said he was unlikely to suit up Sunday against the Bills. The situation is the same for defensive end Charles Omenihu who tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the conference final last January.

The best sellers are…

For the period from 1^East April 2023 to 1^East As of October 2024, Texans quarterback CJ Stroud was the top seller of NFL jerseys. Still amazing! The second-year player moved ahead of Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams in second place, as well as one Patrick Mahomes, with the Chiefs, in third place. The top seller not at quarterback is Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, fourth.