Super Bowl LVII finish proves NFL has a massive referee problem
The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles were locked into one of the best Super Bowl games in recent memory. Yet, with under two minutes remaining, the referees decided to steal the show and put a scar over what was leading up to be a legendary finish.
The show-stealing moment came when a defensive holding call was made against the Eagles, giving the Chiefs a first down in the red zone, allowing them to run down the clock and kick a game-winning field goal.
The refs ruined one of the greatest games ever. https://t.co/eMnj8wPJon
Fans all over social media continue to talk about games being "scripted," however, a real problem has emerged that the NFL needs to get under control as soon as possible.
The NFL has a major referee problem to solve after a frustrating Super Bowl finish
Earlier in the week, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell openly stated that his league has top-notch officiating. Of course, he was not going to throw the refs under the bus just days before the biggest game of the season. Yet those remarks may be played all offseason by Eagles fans.
Roger Goodell: “When you look at officiating, I don’t think it’s ever been better.”
Just a couple of days ago.
https://t.co/VqzusrMEmg
Fans can argue the defensive holding call in question both ways, but the issue many have is that it was not egregious in any sense. Questionable calls are generally frustrating, but one that decides an entire season? That cannot be what the NFL wants on its grandest stage.
So what is the solution? The league has experimented in the recent past with challenging and reviewing specific calls, such as pass interference. One adjustment could be for teams to challenge any and all penalties. However, this has the potential to slow down games and create a slow and boring viewing experience.
Another alternative to avoid officiating disasters is reviewing penalties with under two minutes left in each half. An initial argument would be that a penalty called at any point in the game affects the outcome. Yet this is still some sort of middle ground that also prevents a late call from directly deciding a finish.
Chiefs fans are celebrating Sunday night, while Eagles fans are likely convinced the NFL is out to get them. This is what happens when late calls happen in any game in just about any sport, let alone the Super Bowl.
There is not one singular solution out there that everyone will love. In fact, the Chiefs may say nothing at all needs to be changed. But while Super Bowl ratings are still sky-high, the NFL has to ensure solutions are sought to avoid some fans believing the sport's biggest moments are predetermined in any way.