The Call 2

Yesterday's call late in the Packers/Cowboys game was a tad bit more important and controversial than the one folks were talking about in last week's Lions/Cowboys game.

That one call probably changed the outcome of the game, but I liked how Cowboy's head coach Garret responded. He admitted that that one call didn't change the outcome any more than some of the things the Cowboys did wrong and could have done during the game to beat the Packers. And he's right.

But the question remains, "was it the right call?" Based on everything that has went into the new receiver rule that has went to effect the last few seasons, I think the officials got the final, deciding call right. Receivers aren't like running backs. They have to demonstrate that they have control of the ball throughout the whole catch process. In other words, for them, they have to have the ball in their control PAST the point where the ball hits the ground. This isn't the same kind of situation where when running backs hit the turf and the ball pops out from hitting the ground. They've carefully distinguished that difference over time.

That same call has been made several other times in the last few seasons. The precedent has been set. And if I'm a Packer fan, and I am, I'm sure glad the call went that way. It was correct.

As to the other game yesterday, it's hard not to appreciate Andrew Luck. That kid had the uncomfortable task of replacing the best regular season quarterback to ever play the game when he took the reigns in Indy a few seasons ago. And he's now demonstrating he is becoming that good as well. Beating Manning in Denver is no easy task,

But he did, somehow, make it look easy, hitting pass after pass, even in difficult third and long situations, time after time. In fact, he looked more like Manning yesterday than Manning himself.

I went into that game yesterday rooting for Peyton and the Broncos, but by the time it was over I was rooting for the Colts to go to the Super Bowl.

It was a great day of football, though I still feel sorry for Peyton. His time may be winding down.

AND the College Football Championship is tonight.

It's a great time of the year for football fans.