Still a lot of angst over the GB call. I don't expect to change anyone's mind about it, especially since all some people want to really do is get under Seahawks' fans' skin.
As a 'Hawks fan myself, I couldn't be happier with this season's team. As far as refs are concerned, the SF game was no big thing. The 49ers made a big play and managed to pull it out at home. Hats off to 'em.
As far as the GB call is concerned, the fact that the refs were replacement colored any even-handed analysis that could have been done. The right call would have been offensive pass interference (but of course no one talks about the blatant misses against the 'Hawks earlier in the quarter). But leaving the missed PI aside, the catch itself wasn't as clear as people like to think.
What happens when there is a tie for the ball? Offense wins. Whose feet were down first? Tate's. When is the play dead? Once they hit the ground. The wrestle for the ball took place after they landed - after the play was dead.
I'm not saying the call they made on the catch was correct. I am saying there is a reasonable case for it.
Either way, it's done. Just like Super Bowl XL is done. Can't go back and fix a game the refs admitted later that they messed up (like the Super Bowl Game). Against the 'Hawks, btw. All teams get boned every once in awhile. The 'Hawks had it done to them in the Super Bowl. If you didn't like the call in the reg season game, so be it. You didn't lose a Super Bowl for it. And there is a case for a 'Hawks catch. Though I will readily admit, an offensive PI would have been the more correct call.
(hopefully this link will work...)