It's good to see Ed Hochuli officiating the AFC title game. He is one of the best referees in the business, and I think he was unfairly abused following the Broncos/Chargers game in 2008 when he ruled a fairly clear fumble as an incomplete pass. He was more of a victim of game situation than the bad call itself. It happened late in the 4th quarter with the game in the balance...the Chargers would have won on the fumble recovery and his blown call gave the ball back to Denver, who later scored a touchdown. He later purchased a full page ad in the San Diego Union-Tribune apologizing for the mistake. Mistakes happen, we always chide refs for blowing calls. We bicker and snicker and then we move on. This is why we have instant replay. In Hochuli's specific case, the man had paid his debt and then some. Hochuli is a man who commands respect on the football field (and in the courtroom). It's good to see him back on the field layin' down the law.
On to the game, Pittsburgh looked pretty good on their first drive. They got lucky with a couple of Jets defensive penalties that extended it in the early going. A successful Jets challenge on a Heath Miller catch (that I think was dubious...as soon as I finish singing Ed Hochuli's praises no less) only delayed the inevitable. Big Ben scrambled on 3rd and 13 for a first down following the overturn and Pittsburgh chewed up over 9 minutes of clock time. An injury to center Mike Pouncy just before the TD could be significant later on. We'll see. Anyway, it's 7-0 Pitt. Jets' offense should be well-rested.
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