As the Game Turns: An Interception that Almost Wasn’t

[Steeler Nation]

By: G.Stryker Twitter @SNStryker and Instagram @SNStryker SteelerNation.com G.Stryker talks about the game changing play and what could have been. Subscribe to our Youtube Channel to be the first to see new content uploads! #SteelerNation

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[wig]

As I mentioned in another thread, it really seemed as if the refs had their marching orders. The Browns WERE going to make the playoffs.

We've already discussed the three PI non-calls in a row. If Claypool doesn't make a miraculous catch in the endzone while being mauled, the Steelers never get close. And if the refs have been quietly told, "See to it the Browns win.", that's fine. Whatever. It's been 8000 years since they made the playoffs and the NFL needs a feel-good story right now, but hey, don't let them turn our QB into a ******* vegetable, ok? You can make 1000 other calls at any point to get the result you want, you don't have to let them kill one of our players.

Had I been Rudolph, I think I would have handled things a bit more... emotionally. Say a ref getting a fastball to the face as hard as I can throw it from about 3 yards away. Hopefully one of the Steelers can play the rebound.

 

[troymania]

For as much as the Browns had their hands all over Claypool, I hope they at least bought him dinner.

 

[Stryker]

As I mentioned in another thread, it really seemed as if the refs had their marching orders. The Browns WERE going to make the playoffs.

We've already discussed the three PI non-calls in a row. If Claypool doesn't make a miraculous catch in the endzone while being mauled, the Steelers never get close. And if the refs have been quietly told, "See to it the Browns win.", that's fine. Whatever. It's been 8000 years since they made the playoffs and the NFL needs a feel-good story right now, but hey, don't let them turn our QB into a ******* vegetable, ok? You can make 1000 other calls at any point to get the result you want, you don't have to let them kill one of our players.

Had I been Rudolph, I think I would have handled things a bit more... emotionally. Say a ref getting a fastball to the face as hard as I can throw it from about 3 yards away. Hopefully one of the Steelers can play the rebound.

To be fair, the Refs called 1 non procedure foul and that was holding on Villa. Everything else was presnap or a positional violaiton. 2 on the Steelers 4 on Browns. I can see a ref swallowing the whistle when they see Claypool caught the pass instead of throwing a late flag. No need to slow down the game, but the hit to Mason's head was egregious, as his head snapped when contact was made to his helmet.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Thanks "G" love the slow motion part of the video !!!


One thing I can guarantee about that play is that if it was Baker Dozen instead of Mason Rudolf,..... I know that gets called. Not a doubt in my mind on that one.



Salute the nation

 

[Coryea]

None of the missed calls were worse than the tackle on Vince Williams in the backfield and the hold on Mondeaux, two of the worst I've seen all year.

 

[Stryker]

None of the missed calls were worse than the tackle on Vince Williams in the backfield and the hold on Mondeaux, two of the worst I've seen all year.

I had 4 missed holding calls ready to go for a breakdown, but coudln't bring myself to do it... Compared to what Villa got called for, these were way more noticable.

 

[Ike Kelly]

Cope we really will find out how poor the league thought that officiating crew performed if #33 gets a fine notice this week.


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[CoolieMan]

my wife and oldest son were laughing at me when I was yelling at the TV about the non call on the hold on one of baker's big runs.....they kept saying "I thought you said this game didn't matter"

**** that...the players played too hard to be screwed like they were on some of the calls, but they still had a chance to ******* win.

 

[Stryker]

3 big holds on plays where Baker ran from the pocket.

1. Alualu with a jersey grab and couldn't disengage.
2. Mondeaux with a grab of his shoulder from behind
3. Williamson shooting the B gap and being tackled.

I was going to make it my hidden play article comparing it to what Villa was called for, but I don't want to spend an article blaming the refs for a defeat, so I found more positive plays to highlight.