Reflections on the 2019 Super Bowl: Rams' Win, Ref Call Controversies, and Fan Reactions
In the annals of the National Football League (NFL), the 2019 Super Bowl (also known as Super Bowl LIII) will be remembered for the storied victory of the Los Angeles Rams over the New Orleans Saints. However, the events leading up to and following the game sparked a heated debate over the importance of certain calls made by the referees and how this would shape the perception of the Rams' win in the years to come.
Historical Recognition of the Rams' Victory
Regardless of the controversy surrounding the game, one thing is clear: if the Rams won the 2019 Super Bowl, their triumph will be remembered and written into the history of the NFL. For some of us who watched the game, the missed pass interference call against the Saints will be a stark reminder of what might have been, but in the long run, all will fade into the sands of time. In a few years, the specific events of Super Bowl LIII might be less relevant, save for a few memorable moments that fans discuss.
Are Football Fans Really Such Snowflakes?
Was it just one call that made or broke the game? Indeed, the Saints had multiple opportunities to secure a win. They could have scored a touchdown on one of their other six drives, extended the game into overtime by scoring a field goal, or even defended against the Rams, who they had successfully shut down on five previous occasions.
Even after the Saints settled for a field goal following the controversial call, they still had chances to stop the Rams, just as they had done in previous drives. Critics who continue to focus on this call without acknowledging the numerous non-calls that favored the Saints are not doing themselves any favors. Players like Thomas and Watkins who whine about this incident are being unsportsmanlike and sore losers.
More importantly, with impeccable officiating, the Saints would have been far behind in the game. They only want to change one call in their favor, not address every missed call that hindered their performance. This selective focus on one moment overlooks the larger context and the overall efforts of the Rams and other teams involved.
The Referee Perspective: Noncalls and Errors
From a broader perspective, it's undeniable that there were numerous non-calls during the game that benefited the Saints. This is a common occurrence in football, where referee mistakes can skew the outcome of the game. For instance, there was a clear facemask on Goff that could have changed the course of a Rams drive, just as a blatant face mask on Aaron Donald at about five minutes in also deserves attention, though it may not have changed the immediate outcome.
The Saints' fans often claim that the Rams were robbed, but with perfect officiating, they would be far behind. The focus should be on the overall fairness of the game and the broader framework within which the league operates. Those who refuse to recognize the Rams' victory within this framework and continue to harp on this one call are missing the bigger picture and need to align with the Raiders fans who share their frustration.
Conclusion: Lessons from a Controversial Game
The 2019 Super Bowl serves as a case study in how a single call can overshadow the entire game and the efforts of a team to win. The Rams' victory will stand the test of time, but it is the broader lessons about sportsmanship, officiating, and the reality of missed opportunities that will leave a lasting impression on fans, players, and coaches alike.