"In Week 2, we've seen just how incompetent these officials are"

[Auggie]

Ashley Fox | ESPN.com | 8-18-12

ATLANTA -- Champ Bailey turned his back and said something about not trying to be rude, but he wouldn't talk about the debacle that was the officiating in the Falcons' 27-21 win over the Broncos on Monday night.

Radio silence for a reason. "You'll get fined," Broncos safety Mike Adams said to Bailey with a laugh.

And that would be a shame. No one should have to pay money for speaking out about the train wreck that the performance of replacement officials has become. Week 1 was one thing. But now in Week 2, we've seen just how incompetent these officials are. Players know. Coaches know. Everyone is pushing. And intimidating. And trying to get an edge any way they can.

It is what men in the National Football League do. They look for an edge. And gaining an edge over the underqualified and overmatched officials has led to problems on the field. Some games are longer. The first quarter Monday night lasted an hour. Players are griping on the field. Coaches are getting frustrated. The overall product is taking a hit.

It can't be overlooked. The specter of replacement officials is beginning to obscure the NFL's product.

MORE: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8393575/replacement-officials-poor-performance-steals-show-denver-broncos-atlanta-falcons

[El Supremo]

1. Mark Kiszla: These scab NFL officials have not earned stripes

ATLANTA — Hey, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. We beg you to stop this madness before there's a riot on the field among angry, 300-pound men in helmets.

Kiss and make up with the real game officials.

Life is too short for bad football. And the NFL is too dangerous to be policed by officials without a clue.

Never thought I'd say it, but: Gosh, do I miss Ed Hochuli.

In the name of integrity, you've got to stop the madness, Mr. Goodell.

Fire these scabs who can't figure out a fumble at the bottom of the pile, dump these impostors mindlessly throwing flags and send these wannabes losing control of a violent game back to where they belong ... to jobs as elementary-school playground monitors....

http://www.denverpost.com/kiszla/ci_21567875/mark-kiszla-scab-nfl-officials

[joeybee12]

2. It is pretty bad...not to complain,

but the refs cost the Patriots the game Sunday...that said, they still should have won...and by that, I mean, they should have played better.

[JonLP24]

3. That was a clear hold

if that is what you're referring to.

Also Ryan Williams shouldn't have fumbled and Kolb should have played better.

[joeybee12]

4. Hmmmm

Even Rhodes admitted that he wasn’t fully confident the play would draw a penalty flag.

“I was planted in the gap and he held me pretty good, but then I thought he got off,” Rhodes said. “I didn’t know if they called it or not because they usually don’t in that situation. But I looked back, saw the flag and I was pretty happy they did.”

Former NFL vice president of officiating and current Fox analyst Mike Pereira essentially echoed Rhodes’ assessment.

“Technically it is (a hold) but I’ve seen worse that don’t get called,” Pereira said on his Twitter feed.

[JonLP24]

5. Earlier in the game

when Arizona stopped NE on a 3rd down, AZ was whistled for a neutral zone infraction which upset the Cardinals. Announcers commentated that they usually warn a player first that he is lining up in the NZ (this was New England's second possession).

It seemed the officials were calling things tight in that game and since technically both calls are penalties, I can't complain.

[joeybee12]

6. The officiating was bad on both sides...

But the bad one got them the winning touchdown...that's the rub.

There was a guy on the local radio who swore he never held him because he was able to see a certain angle...anyway, it's only one game and maybe it'll get them to wake up.