Community Corner

SEAHAWKS-PACKERS: Did The Referees Get It Right?

The nationally televised game came down to the final play of regulation, with Seattle receiver Golden Tate coming down with the ball, or at least the NFL's replacement refs saw it that way. In the end, Seattle won in stunning fashion, 14-12.

QUESTION: Was the call that gave the Seahawks a 14-12 win over Green Bay on Monday the right call?

Was it a touchdown or interception? Was it a Seattle or Green Bay player who came down with the ball?

This is one that everyone - ESPN analysts to coffee shop consumers alike - will be talking about for days, perhaps longer.

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It could be the straw that breaks the NFL's bargaining back and forces the league to bring back its regular referees.

Stunning is perhaps the only way to describe the conclusion of the Monday Night Football game between the Seahawks and the Packers, which was broadcast to a nationally televised audience.

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The game's final play of regulation came down to a Hail Mary pass from quarterback Russell Wilson, who lofted the ball into the end zone some 30 yards out.

A group of players leaped for the catch. In the end, the ball came down in the arms of two players: Green Bay's M.D. Jennings and Seattle's Golden Tate.

(Click here to watch ESPN's video replay of the catch)

The game's referees - replacements filling in for the NFL's regular refs who are engaged in a labor dispute - called it a touchdown, giving the Seahawks perhaps their most controversial win. Ever.

Video replays showed Jennings, the defender, coming down with the ball tucked in his chest, with Tate's left arm wrapped around the defender and his right arm on the ball.

Even after reviewing the tape, the refs confirmed the play.

Touchdown. Hawks win. Packers jolted.

Even before the play, the referees made a number of questionable calls and penalties against both teams.

Let the brewing controversy over replacement referees explode all over the kitchen.

Afterward, users set the social mediasphere ablaze with criticism. Seattle Coach Pete Carroll said during his press conference that the referees explained that possession went to the offensive player.

The game's television announcers - including former coach and never bashful Jon Gruden - disagreed.

So we want to hear from you, Patch users. What do you think? Was the call right or not? Tell us in the comments below.


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