I have to say that I'm shocked by this post! I disagree that the Pat's winning wouldn't have been gratifying for them though. With the parity in the NFL almost every game, especially division games, are a battle that usually go down to the final play.
Humbly, I must reply FUCK NO they were not robbed. How can any Pat fan who watches Tammy complain to the refs week in and out defend this point?
whadaymean? there are still imbeciles who think it shouldn't have been called just because it decided the game is actually a sound argument.
I think that was in the original ruling and was later changed so there's where the confusion comes from but that's about it I'm afraid.
Saying the Pats lost the game because of the penalty is ridiculous. They would still have had to drive the ball at least 30 yards to attempt a long FG, and they had already failed to drive the ball even 10 yards like 15 times during the game. The only thing the Pats were robbed of was another 3 and out against the best defense in the world.
I love how Bayless says the "spirit of the rule is that the guy is coming from the second level." The rule is actually cut and dried; any pushing on the line is a penalty, regardless of the level it came from. Sure, the NFL website where they post simplified versions of the rules for the benefit of fans, screwed it up. But if your an NFL coach, or a person who commentates on sports for a living (Skip Bayless), you should probably read the real rule book, rather than the "NFL Rules for Dummies" version.
Not sure what to make of this article... What's everyone's insight? Bogus? Valid? http://boston.barstoolsports.com/m/random-thoughts/nfl-changed-the-push-rule-after-they-called-it/
Could you imagine? "How did Rex not know the rules, he's the Head Coach!" "What an undisciplined team under Rex" "Rex only cares about the defensive side of the ball"