SAN FRANCISCO – It is only fitting that one of the most thrilling playoff games in memory came to an end not only with a dramatic touchdown pass and catch, but also with an officials’ call that appeared to be wrong.
This NFL season has included too much evidence in support of the return of instant replay, and pardon the Packers if they are cursing their fate after an apparent fumble by the once-great Jerry Rice became the latest example of officiating problems.
“We had them right where we wanted them and then we had a couple of questionable calls, very questionable calls,” Green Bay safety LeRoy Butler said. “We cannot let the referees dictate the game.”
The play in question came with the 49ers rushing during their final drive that ended with Steve Young hitting Terrell Owens with three seconds left for a 30-27 wild card playoff victory. Down the stretch, Rice did not have one catch, but with 46 seconds remaining he hauled in a six-yard pass from Young. As Rice struggled to get out of bounds, he was clearly stripped of the ball. Packers cornerback Craig Newsome recovered the loose ball, but the officials ruled that Rice was down before the fumble.
“They told me from upstairs that it was a fumble,” added Mike Holmgren. “Jerry has certainly earned his respect in this business, but I think when they call the game they shouldn’t look at the numbers, and I don’t think they did.”
*Owens spectacular game-winning catch hearkened back to the famous Dwight Clark leaping grab dubbed simply “The Catch” by the 49ers. Owens had dropped three passes and also fumbled before his final play. When asked what his own catch should be called, Owens said “Redemption.” … Rice’s catch gives him at least one in 22 straight playoff games. That matches Drew Pearson’s NFL record.
*DE Charles Haley, more than two years removed from his last football game, was signed Saturday by the Niners to bolster an injury-depleted defensive line. Haley played about 20 snaps, almost exclusively in pass-rushing situations, and did not get any sacks. He did pressure Favre twice and once was in Favre’s face, prompting Favre to throw a pass that was intercepted by LB Lee Woodall.