Week 1 Running NFL Thread (Warren Moon edition)

You can have one hell of an argument over the best defensive player ever to play for the Steelers, but I know one thing: Polamalu's interception was fantastic and I don't throw those words around lightly. There's no way that receiver can be his responsibility — or, if it was, Troy began the play by being 15 yards out of position — and for him to make up that much ground, let's just say the number of players in the NFL who make that play you can count on one hand . . . and maybe have a finger or two left over.

I also think we can put an end to the question about who the QB is in Game 5.

 

That's the rule on a catch. The former head of officials for the NFL stated emphatically it wasn't a catch. There was no drama whatsoever. Everyone knew it wasn't going to be a catch. It's not "make-believe." It's a rule. Johnson should have known the rule and been more careful.

There is nothing to argue here.

End of sub-thread.

 

It's a bad rule. Play is over when a runner breaks the plane. Play should be over when a receiver gets two feet down with possession of the ball. No other rule or interpretation required.

 

Regardless, it's the rule. And it had to be applied that way. The ball popped out of Johnson's hand when it hit the ground. He should have been more careful. He knew the rule. No touchdown. I don't feel the least bit sorry for Detroit.

 

Except that's not the rule.

Again, the former head of NFL officials explained why it wasn't going to be a catch.

The Lions didn't even argue.

That's the rule. It is written that way. It was applied as written. There was no judgment required. It was an easy call. Easiest call of the day.

 

There never was a question about who will be the quarterback in Game 5, unless something dramatic happens like an injury or Roethlisberger doing something else to get in more trouble.

You are right about that being an interesting argument. And I'm not sure if there is another player in the NFL who makes that play. No way was that designed, either. They just give Polamalu the leeway to freelance. He saw something very few, if any, defensive backs would see. He broke on the ball faster than any defensive back in the NFL can and he made a great catch to cap it off. Great play. He makes a ton of them when he can stay on the field.

 

Except, of course, that's not the rule.

 

That blasted David Stern has found his way into the NFL!

 

Are causing balks still more important than home runs?

 

Meanwhile, in the world of obvious news, Randy Moss is ranting at the media during his press conference in New England.

 

Just wondering.

 

Lost in all this is the fact that the Bears fucking suck on the offensive side of the ball.