2010-2011 NFC North Division

[MerrittsMustache]

It was a BS call because Cutler was running the ball, like any other RB or WR.  He wasn't dropped back to pass, and therefore shouldn't have been protected.

socrplar125 is correct. You can't throw a forearm into the head of a ballcarrier. It had nothing to do with Cutler being the QB. I can't remember the exact phrasing but Hochuli stated that the penalty was for a non-football action or something like that.

Either way, the media is trying to build it up as a controversial call but it really didn't effect the outcome at all.

[Rollout-the-Barrel]

Outcome would have been the same, but I didn't think it was a forearm.  Happened fast in realtime so I can see why ref thought it was illegal.

[Hards Alumni]

socrplar125 is correct. You can't throw a forearm into the head of a ballcarrier. It had nothing to do with Cutler being the QB. I can't remember the exact phrasing but Hochuli stated that the penalty was for a non-football action or something like that.

Either way, the media is trying to build it up as a controversial call but it really didn't effect the outcome at all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw6vxVVXWUM

looked like he pushed him in the shoulder pads.  Was it violent?  Yes.  Is that football? Yes.  Should the refs have erred on the side of no penalty?  Yes.  Cutler didnt seem to think it was illegal by the way he got up.  Did it really affect the games outcome?  We will never know.  15 yards is a long way.

[reinko]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw6vxVVXWUM

looked like he pushed him in the shoulder pads.  Was it violent?  Yes.  Is that football? Yes.  Should the refs have erred on the side of no penalty?  Yes.  Cutler didnt seem to think it was illegal by the way he got up.  Did it really affect the games outcome?  We will never know.  15 yards is a long way.

+1

[LON]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw6vxVVXWUM

looked like he pushed him in the shoulder pads.  Was it violent?  Yes.  Is that football? Yes.  Should the refs have erred on the side of no penalty?  Yes.  Cutler didnt seem to think it was illegal by the way he got up.  Did it really affect the games outcome?  We will never know.  15 yards is a long way.

I think that penalty was a bad call.

I'm also a Packers fan.

Speaking of bad calls, how about the refs whistling the play dead for offsides on the 49ers, which took away Jones' big play...pretty sure they did that at least twice.

[jesmu84]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw6vxVVXWUM

looked like he pushed him in the shoulder pads.  Was it violent?  Yes.  Is that football? Yes.  Should the refs have erred on the side of no penalty?  Yes.  Cutler didnt seem to think it was illegal by the way he got up.  Did it really affect the games outcome?  We will never know.  15 yards is a long way.

i agree here. Cutler even didn't think it was a penalty - he got up and started yelling about being down before the ball popped out.  that being said, as a ref, seeing the play live, full speed, it probably did look questionable. and especially with the new rule changes/caution regarding violent plays, the refs sure are going to call that more than not.

also, it wasn't 15 yards. it happened on the 14, so it was half the distance to the goal - 7 yards.

[MerrittsMustache]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw6vxVVXWUM

looked like he pushed him in the shoulder pads.  Was it violent?  Yes.  Is that football? Yes.  Should the refs have erred on the side of no penalty?  Yes.  Cutler didnt seem to think it was illegal by the way he got up.  Did it really affect the games outcome?  We will never know.  15 yards is a long way.

I guess if a player doesn't act like it's an illegal play, a penalty should never be called.  

In realtime it looked very much like a forearm to the head and that is what the officials called. The replay shows it was a smack to the head, which may have drawn a flag anyway. Regardless, instead of 2nd and 2 from the 14, the penalty made it 1st and Goal from the 7. Hardly a game-changing call, especially with 9 minutes left to play.

[Hards Alumni]

I guess if a player doesn't act like it's an illegal play, a penalty should never be called.  

In realtime it looked very much like a forearm to the head and that is what the officials called. The replay shows it was a smack to the head, which may have drawn a flag anyway. Regardless, instead of 2nd and 2 from the 14, the penalty made it 1st and Goal from the 7. Hardly a game-changing call, especially with 9 minutes left to play.

You know as well as I do that most players complain when they know there is a penalty.

The replay looks like Suh hit the shoulder pads 100%, and since I don't really have a dog in the fight... I guess we will see how the NFL feels about the hit by whether or not they fine Suh.

I will agree that maybe it wasn't a game changing call, but thats the thing, you never know.  It would have been 3rd and 2...  It would have at least been interesting.

[jesmu84]

I will agree that maybe it wasn't a game changing call, but thats the thing, you never know.  It would have been 3rd and 2...  It would have at least been interesting.

False. Cutler's scramble occurred on 1st and 10 from the Lions' 22. He ran for 8 yards. Without the penalty, it would have been 2nd and 2 at the Lions' 14.

[Hards Alumni]

False. Cutler's scramble occurred on 1st and 10 from the Lions' 22. He ran for 8 yards. Without the penalty, it would have been 2nd and 2 at the Lions' 14.

Fair enough, I was looking at the down and distance after the replay.  Why that is, I do not know.  I stand corrected.

[DJO's Pump Fake]

As a football fan I hate the penalty, too much protection in the league for the pretty boys.

[Dish]

The Suh hit on Cutler wasn't going to change the outcome of that game. If it would have been 2nd and 2, it wasn't going to change too much, especially the momentum swinging the Bears way as it was. I don't think it should have been a penalty, but even if it wasn't called, I can't see the outcome changing.

Lions not converting on 4th and 1 is what really killed them.

[Jay Bee]

Lions not converting on 4th and 1 is what really killed them.

The Lions sucking is what really killed them.

Too bad the season isn't 18 games... Minnesota would almost assuredly have the division on lock.  Sidney Rice is phenomenal. 

[LON]

The Lions sucking is what really killed them.

Too bad the season isn't 18 games... Minnesota would almost assuredly have the division on lock.  Sidney Rice is phenomenal. 

What's worse to you:

Packers fans booing Favre during his first return to Lambeau

Or

Vikings fans cheering when Favre got hurt yesterday

/I didn't watch the game, but it's what I heard

[SaintPaulWarrior]

The Suh hit on Cutler wasn't going to change the outcome of that game.

Suh was fined $15,000 for a "non-football act".

[Dish]

Giants/Vikes moved to Monday "night".

One may ask "why not 3:15 on Sunday?" (which is what you'll hear 99% of people say).

Simple reason why not 3:15...

Dolphins @ Jets is at 3:15 Sunday.

Giants and Jets are not allowed to play at the same time. Be interesting to see what the NFL does with the Giants game on Monday. Precedent dictates the rest of the country (outside of the home markets) will not see this game, but you have both Favre (I'm assuming) and the Giants (semi national following due to their market). Fox has to be absolutely pissed about this. Fox had Buck/Aikman working this game, and with the Bears/Eagles/Cowboys all playing on other networks, they're only nationwide viewership draw game is Bucs/Skins (not an ideal national game for Fox).

[ATWizJr]

How will the LA fans see their next years team?

[Dish]

In a weird twist, this will be the first time in NFL history that a team will play back to back Monday night games. Vikings play the Bears next Monday night.

Hearing that ESPN wants no part of having Giants/Vikes go up against Ravens/Texans (no surprise there).

As I was writing this, just got a text from my Bears guy "Minny game MNF on Fox, 7 kick".

That can mean only New York and Minny will get that live broadcast, as there is ZERO chance that game will be shown up against ESPN's Ravens/Texans game. ESPN now has to be livid.

[groove]

In a weird twist, this will be the first time in NFL history that a team will play back to back Monday night games. Vikings play the Bears next Monday night.

Hearing that ESPN wants no part of having Giants/Vikes go up against Ravens/Texans (no surprise there).

As I was writing this, just got a text from my Bears guy "Minny game MNF on Fox, 7 kick".

That can mean only New York and Minny will get that live broadcast, as there is ZERO chance that game will be shown up against ESPN's Ravens/Texans game. ESPN now has to be livid.

nfl.com
"The game will be played at 8 p.m. ET and be aired on television by Fox in local markets"

[ATWizJr]

With the roof collapsing at the Metrodome I guess you really will need a new stadium.

Hint:  Don't hire an architecture firm from Florida this time.

[reinko]

CBB, will I get this new Monday night game with NFL Sunday ticket??

[chren21]

With the roof collapsing at the Metrodome I guess you really will need a new stadium.

Hint:  Don't hire an architecture firm from Florida this time.

Ha Ha, the entire roof is gone.  I thought they just said it was leaking.

[Dish]

Game most likely can't be played at U of Minny's stadium, Giants brought no outdoor gear, and Fox doesn't have enough time to prepare that stadium. Hearing most likely scenario is game will be played at Ford Field Tuesday night. Union would have to agree to it though, and Vikes would need to be compensated.

Reason Ford Field is most viable is it's close enough, both teams have gear with them, and Fox has a game at Ford Field today, with proper equipment also in place.

[wadesworld]

MUDish (or anyone else for that matter)...this game obviously has to be played, so do you have any idea of when it will be played?  Obviously if it's this week it won't be in Minneapolis.  Do you think it will be played this week and just moved to a different city?

Any help before noon would be greatly appreciated.  This is playing a big role in setting my fantasy football lineups .  I have Sidney Rice starting and Hines Ward sitting on my bench...

[Dish]

It'll be played Monday or Tuesday at the latest. A lot of hoops to jump through still, Vikes/Giants have to sign off, Fox has to sign off, DirecTV is involved, ESPN is being consulted with, Ford Field, tons of logistical issues to work out. League wants to get something finalized asap, especially if game will be played in Detroit, so Minny and the Giants can fly to Detroit asap.