AT ISSUE
Flog the flaggers
What: Officials already are in the spotlight after several questionable calls in the first two weeks of the season.
Background: There have been many strange officiating calls, but none stands out more than the goofy one last week at Invesco Field at Mile High. It was unforgettable, a spectacular 61-yard punt return for a touchdown by rookie Darrent Williams, giving Denver a fourth- quarter lead. The stadium roared. The game was changed. Wait. The officials noticed a few excited Denver players stepping onto the field in preparation for the extra-point attempt. The officials flagged Denver for too many men on the field, wiping out the touchdown. Denver came back to win the game. If not, there might have been a riot.
Williamson’s take: What a horrible call. Sure, rules are rules, but flag Denver 15 yards on the ensuing kickoff. Don’t take a touchdown away – especially a game-changing touchdown. The players who stepped onto the field had no bearing on the play, so the flag shouldn’t have affected the game. Sometimes the officials need to step back and let the game take care of itself.
