Oh, so Cutler fumbled but it wasn't called as such? That rule confuses me. Could you clarify how it work? Something about forward movement of the arm to pass and then losing the ball is or is not a fumble?

Tim, I simpithize for you. The Lions are pretty sorry, no offense. It would be nice to have a completely competitive football league (there's some wishful thinking).

Amatuer, there are a couple of passer rules. I think the one that is being "violated" here is the forward motion one. If the ball is started forward and hits the ground anywhere it is an incomplete pass. The ref saw Cutler's arm snap forward and the ball slipped out. But only in slow motion could you see that the ball came out of Cutler's hand before it started forward. The ref saw it in real-time, so it probably looked to him what it looks like watching Jet Li when the cameras are going at normal speed instead of the x6 speed he's normally filmed at.

The other rule that is in effect here is the ball being dropped behind the line of scrimage. Any ball dropped behind the line of scrimmage as long as it has no forward momentum (I think, there be exceptions, is considered a live ball that either team can take possession of.

So to summarize, it should've been called a fumble because the ball slipped out of Cutler's hand behind the line of scrimage, hence the play should've never been whistled dead. However, since Cutler followed through with his arm motion it registereed in the ref's head that it was a forward pass and not a fumble. Pretty much it was human error of a ref i.e. his eyes and brain's inability to proccess what happened fast enough, that cost the Chargers a game.

And the rule exists I believe to protect the quarterbacks because nowadays I guess people think quarterbacks are made of galss and can't take a hit.

FYI, the Chargers needed a lot more to win that game and their previous one then just that call, although it was called a "game changing call/play." I really don't think so because the Chargers have the ability to give both the Panthers and the Broncos a very big butt whuppin,as they demonstrated tonight against a solid Jets team.

Yeh Cal,
Thats a big topic here in the Metro Detroit area. Ford Sr. likes Matt Millen personally, thats why he is still here. Disregard the fact that Millen is totally incompetent as a GM. It was great to finally see someone in the Ford family come out against Millen for once. Its just a matter of time untill Millen gets the axe now, most likely all the coaches too. And then we can start all over.....again.

The ref was at a bad angle to see that the ball came out before his arm went forward. He saw a forward motion and the ball out, he blew the whistle. It was a bad call and the ref knew it but, he made the call that he thought was right at the time. After replay, he saw that he made the wrong call but since he blew the whistle and the play was dead, he couldn't reverse it.

Instant replays are OK, IMO. But, I am confused as to what is reviewable and what isn't. Seems like a play like this should have been reviewed. But, you don't want to get into a position of always second guessing the refs.

Since he blew the whistle, that killed the play. Otherwise, it would have been reviewable. Here is a site that has a base outline on what can and can't be reviewed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instant_replay

Hey, GP!! The Cubs are in the playoffs. The Sox still have to clinch, but think they will. How about a beer or 2 half way between, say downtown during the playoffs?
Hopefully n a travel day. Wouldn't want to miss either game.

Maybe iconz or others could join in?

Dennis:

Your on. I am always up for a beer or 3

Dennis,and GP
Enjoy October with the Cubbies ,and Sox both in the playoffs. Its great when your teams extend their seasons and advance through out the playoffs. Got to enjoy that a few years ago when the Tigers made the World Series.

Unfortunatly for us they never got it going this year. Its pretty hard when all your pitchers go in the tank, and your relievers come out of the bullpen carrying a gas can..LOL.
Good Luck to the Cubs and The Sox.

Tim, just found out my annual Army Reunion will be in Farmington Mich, next year. Is that close?