Evaluating NFL Replacement Referees Through Week 2 of Preseason Action

With the existing NFL referee lockout threatening to spill over into the regular season, the integrity of the league is at stake.

Fans thought that an NFLPA lockout was their worst nightmare last offseason, but an actual season with replacement referees would tarnish the game forever. 

Yes, it's understood that it takes time to become acclimated to the NFL game, but the replacement officials don't have much time left to improve. Through two weeks of preseason games, the new ambassadors look less than ready for real NFL action. 

Despite all the "training" these replacements have gone through, they have never officiated a regular season NFL game. 

Whether it's calling Atlanta by the wrong name twice, general confusion of the rules, nearly nailing players with penalty flags or just plain poor vernacular when explaining infractions, these guys haven't done much right. 

The biggest visible problem with the new referees is that they're going through the substitute teacher syndrome. Nobody respects the substitute teacher.

The players and coaches smell blood and think they can enlighten the refs with the proper procedures of the game. The worst part of the matter is the substitutes look timid when making decisions. In the end, it's the referees who must dictate the game, not the players and coaches.

At the moment, NFL organizations have legitimate concerns in terms of the validity of the officiating.  

The thought of any team losing a game due to a referee's blunder is simply nauseating. The situation isn't funny, but it's almost comical. 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh let it be known that the current officiating is giving him "headaches." When this becomes noteworthy and is scrolling across the news ticker on the NFL Network, it's time to hit the panic button. 

One would like to give the replacements the benefit of the doubt, but there's too much at stake.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has to ensure all 32 teams and their fans that the league is putting the best product possible on the football field. Right now, Goodell can't say with a straight face that this is occurring. 

The gap between the NFL and its veteran sheriffs is immense right now, and it's up to Goodell to make ends meet. Among other issues, the league wants referees to be classified as full time employees, yet aren't willing to match their current salaries at their "day jobs."

NFL refs are no dummies as their occupations range from lawyer to inventor, along with many others. 

Another thing that the league wants to do is widen the pool of referees to 140, which is understandable. As current whistle blowers age, the NFL needs younger refs with experience in order to avoid a catastrophe similar to the current situation. 

The league makes plenty of money and the refs are intelligent. If both sides are serious about the NFL's reputation, they'll reach an agreement sooner than later. 

The regular season kicks off on September 5. Without the seasoned zebras calling the shots the 2012 NFL season will officially become a joke. 

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