Ed Hochuli was at it again yesterday. Two weeks after his infamous no fumble call cost the Chargers a victory in Denver, Sunday’s helmet to helmet call on Julius Peppers is creating new controversy. Atlanta’s Matt Ryan was hit by Peppers on a 1st quarter throw which was picked off and returned for a TD. Only the apparent TD was negated because Hochuli ruled that Peppers had illegally hit the QB with his helmet. Replays showed that Peppers had used his shoulder which is perfectly legal in this “protect the QB at all costs” league. I can only imagine that Southwest Airlines’ Executives are sitting somewhere drooling over the possibility of having Hochuli for one of its upcoming commercials.
The setting will be the end of a huge game as a team is driving for the game winning score.
Hochuli: “The ruling on the field was an incomplete pass but should have been ruled a fumble, but when I blew the whistle early, according to the rules, it must be ruled a dead ball and the offense will retain possession. 1st and Goal.”
Southwest voice over: “Want to get away? Fly Southwest.”
