Packers-Bears fumble
 

Video request. 3:35 in 2nd quarter.

I do not need video. It was a great job by the officials. ;)

Peace

If the play is still live, why did the official on the far sideline step several yards onto the field?

Probably waiting to see if anyone had anything different.

I don't know, maybe you can ask him when you get the chance.

Peace

Why JRut, everyone knows asking you is the next best thing! :)

I do not know what everyone wants and really do not care, but I know that in order for any of us to know why someone did something, we would likely have to talk to them personally. But that does not expect you thinking you will get an answer outside of an opinion.

Peace

Everytime an official makes a mis-step, the play is dead? Wow -- we'd never finish my games. ;)

Sorry. I wasn't recording the game and couldn't rewind that far. I'm sure you'll see it all over the "highlight" shows. On second thought, deadspin may have it:

Packers Score Bizarre Touchdown On Play Everybody Thought Was Dead

Certainly not! I don't do football so I honestly didn't know if the official made a mistake or not. I came here to find out. Is this "mis-step" something that might result in a downgrade?

He might have, but that mistake had nothing to do with the play continuing or being dead. I would not even be totally surprised if the officials gets a downgrade for that play because of his movement. Part of the evaluation process is on plays has to do with mechanics and positioning. If the whistle was not blown, the play continues it is that simple.

Peace

Are you suggesting there is something inherently wrong with, or there is some specific conclusion to be made by, "the official on the far sideline stepping onto the field"?

Since you acknowledge, "I don't do football so I honestly didn't know if the official made a mistake or not" wouldn't it seem somewhat more reasonable to consider the responses from people who do work football that doing so does not point to any specific conclusion?

It seems logical, that official was appropriately pre-occupied with his responsibilities in his coverage area, and may simply have been seeking clarification of what was happening in the area of responsibility where the ball was loose. Apparently none of the 7 whistles on the field sounded, which would have signaled a play stoppage, so all of the field officials were focusing on whether such a signal would be coming.

In the absence of any official signalling that play had ended, play is understood to be continuing.

That's exactly what I'm doing here, I am asking questions of those more knowledgeable than I. Don't treat me like I'm hbk314.

I have not suggested anything. But since you ask, I do have a question:

Is it possible that the sideline official stepping on the field may have led the Bears to believe the play was over?

Not at that level.

If it did, shame on the Bears players. And I say this as a Bears fan who watched the play and spent those few seconds yelling at my TV.

How's being a Bears fan in Minneapolis go over? lol