It's a Tough Call

There were several questionable calls by the officials in the Pats-Ravens game according to both teams. Coach Belichick told his team prior to the game that the officiating crew was noted for calling it tight.

Ravens LB Ray Lewis was particularly outspoken about what he felt was preferential treatment for QB Tom Brady. The Pats QB was hit below his knees and was very demonstrative to the officials who then threw a flag.

The league is attempting to protect the quarterbacks without effecting the integrity of the game. The Pats were also penalized for hitting QB Joe Flaco in the head. The league doesn't want to return to the era when the quarterback was given a physical beating every week.

A review of several plays show that the offending player's momentum often carries him into the quarterback. The game is very fast and the results can sometimes be catastrophic.