Baltimore Moves On

Titans errs, no call
Delay of game not flagged
Baltimore profits



(A Haggy Haiku)



Much to the chagrin of football idealists, the game-winning drive was aided by an inexcusable referee blunder. On third-and-2, from his half of the field, Joe Flacco stood behind center, preparing to snap the ball.
Two seconds after the play clock struck zero, he hiked it, threw and connected for a 23-yard gain to tight end Todd Heap.
Instead of facing a third-and-7 from their 28-yard line, the Ravens had a first-and-10 from the Tennessee 45.
Plays later Matt Stover kicked the eventual game-winning field goal.
Turnovers, including two in the red zone, not that call, cost the Titans the game. Still, the back official's job is to watch the play-clock and manage the game, not be a leading player in the decisive drive.