Officials' Missed Calls

In last week's loss versus the Titans, there were several holding calls that were missed by officials that contributed to some long runs by Johnson. This is nothing new to Raider Nation as some have felt that the league has it in for the Raiders and Al Davis. Davis has long been a thorn in the league's side with numerous lawsuits against them since he became owner in the late 60's. Many believe this is why there have been so many controversial calls against the team throughout the years. One of those plays was brought up again last week when the Lions were denied a win when a TD catch by Calvin Johnson was overruled. The play that came up in discussion was the Tuck Rule against Brady and the Pats in the Snow that January afternoon in Foxboro. They were arguing that what looks and feels like a fumble should be a fumble. Just like Johnson's catch looked and felt like a TD catch. Where the problem came was when the officials attempted to use the ruling in the rule book to determine its legitimacy. This is something that needs to be cleaned up by the start of next season. Meanwhile back in Oaktown...

Back to the topic at hand: On one play in Tennessee last weekend there was a holding call clearly missed by the officials. You can see for yourself here. I understand that holding calls get missed all the time by officials, especially when they occur in the interior. This, however, was on the outside where it can be clearly seen. There were other plays as well where Oakland defenders were not given the chance to make a play. All this being said, we have to do a better job of not giving the officials the opportunities to change the complexion of a game. We have to take care of business ourselves and take matters into our own hands by beating our opponents soundly. It all starts this week against the Rams.