Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Ford95
No it was not on purpose, he thought the QB was about to make a cutback and when he stepped forward to move out of the way.
Actually this happens a lot these days with WR's, TE's and RB's using the umpire's as moving picks against a defender. Sometimes a RB gets tangled up with them now and then on accident as he comes thru the line running a pass route. The ump will step forward and end up running smack into the RB.
I agree with this. I saw the game and it DID look intentional at first because he WAS stepping forward, and when he realized he was going to get hit, he instinctively kinda "leaned into it" with his arm covering his ribs. He would have been steamrolled had he not reacted.
But, the bigger problem is him even BEING there... like in the situation I highlighted. It happens with cross routes, too. I know they're all smarter than me about this, but I can't really see why they need an UMP there! What can he really see that someone else couldn't see from the side of the field? I mean.... right over the middle is just TOO much a target in the game. And the closer you get to the endzone, the more compressed that area gets. I've seen too many good plays ruined by contact with the Ump!
I really don't care what the reasons are for having him there. I think it is outweighed by the problems he causes.
Just my 2 cents.