+1

Do you really always need a whistle to stop play after any of the following (assuming no 'extracurricular' activities taking place between opponents):
a) a long Touchdown run or pass
b) an 'normal' incomplete pass (obviously incomplete)
c) a triple-option dive play that comes to a stop on its own
d) a 'cleanly kicked' field goal attempt

I'm sure I can think of others, but I think you get the idea.

Part of the reason we blow the whistle in the first place is to stop everyone around the play from continuing. Are there times when we do not need it? Of course, but I would not say on all these situations we should not blow the whistle. I think on a pass which a lot could be happening outside of where the ball is you might want to stop those players from thinking something is still going on. Usually the times we do not have a whistle on my crew is when the ball is a run and in the middle of the field. That is when the ball is not clearly seen but almost every player realizes the play is over and naturally stops. All of these plays I think would need a whistle for the most part because players can be several yards away from the ball or where the ball was declared dead.

Peace

We pregame this as well. No crime in not having a whistle on a play, especially a dive play up the middle where the wings will likely be blocked.

Agreed. That's why they need to get off the damn sideline and do their job. :)

The problem is that since the mechanic was changed where wing officials start on the sideline, many are simply too lazy to close down on the play. I can't tell you how many wings I see bird dog spots.

No but you certainly need one of forward progress plays.