Analysis:There was a lot going on with this play. The first thing for referee Clay Martin to decide was whether Baker and/or Akers lowered the helmet to initiate contact with the other, which would be a violation of the NFL's "use of helmet" rule. The replay showed Akers ...
players reported being more exhausted than usual. Research into those games suggested the ball stayed “in play” for longer. Referees, facing less barracking from onlookers, blew their whistles less often for fouls. Fewer free kicks awarded also meant less time wasted by players rolling around ...
first off—no more referees. humans in pinstripe costumes blowing whistles to call subjective penalties on 300 men clashing their bodies against each other? they are going to be obsolete. master of officiating dean blandino (he will still be in office, but now have that glorious title) will ...