Even though we make jokes and critize the replacement refs we all owe them a big thank you. Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen the Jags victimized by bad calls but I didn’t see the replacement refs as such a bad thing for the NFL. Every
referee replacement or not makes bad calls on the field, how many times have we
watched a game and said “what a horrible call”. I think because we all knew
that the refs were a replacement that’s why people were making such a huge deal
about it. Look back to the famous “tuck rule” that started the Patriots dynasty.
No one ever heard of the ruling before that and while it was the correct call people were
up in arms that a ref used it for the first time in such a crucial situation. Both
teams had to deal with the fact that the officials weren’t the best possible
ones so no clear advantage was gained. I think this just gave people something
to talk about in the early season.

No matter what you thought of the replacements it looks like their time is done. Last night the
NFL and ref union came to an agreement. Now it still has to be ratified by the
members but baring anything weird today we will see the regulars back in time
for tonight’s game and for the next 8 straight years. Refs got what they wanted
NFL caved a little but it wasn’t too bad. The thing that upsets me is we haven’t
heard the end of this replacement ref discussion. Right now we hear from teams about
how the replacements cost them the game but let’s be honest if the players did their
job the replacement refs won’t be a factor. Take the Monday night Fail Mary. If
the Packers would have played better in the first half the game won’t have been
decided by the last second TD throw. Now we get to hear all the teams that
missed the playoffs by a game or two whine that if it wasn’t for the
replacements they would have made the post season.

If there is anything to be upset about this season it’s that
the players now how a built in excuse as to why they didn’t perform. Instead of
taking accountability for poor play being the reason they lost they found a
scape goat. Let’s not be upset at the replacements for blowing a call or two or
making games take twice as long as they should have. We should all be thanking
them because if they didn’t step up and fill in there would have been no
football this year. So thank you refs while you may not have been the best if
it wasn’t for you we would have to watch bowling on Sunday.