Replacement refs cost Packers win at Seattle

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SEATTLE - Outrage over the NFL’s replacement officials hit a fever pitch late last night, after Seattle receiver Golden Tate was ruled to have scored a touchdown on the final play of the Seahawks’ 14-12 home victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Former University of Wisconsin Quarterback Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary pass from 24 yards out on fourth-and-10 with eight seconds left. Packers’ safety M.D. Jennings appeared to have the ball clutched to his chest as he landed on Tate – who had just his arms around the ball. One official signaled a touchdown, and another signaled an interception. It was ruled a touchdown on the field, and NFL replay official Howard Slavin – who’s not a replacement – upheld the call after he apparently failed to find the required visual evidence to overturn it. The Packers were in the locker room by then, and they had to come out for Seattle’s extra point. Coach Mike McCarthy said he’s never seen anything like it. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers called the ruling “awful.” Other Packers later put out obscenity-laden tweets, and guard T.J. Lang wrote that the league should fine him and use the money to bring back the regular officials, who remain locked out. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said the officials made the right call. Tate said both he and Jennings had possession – something referee Wayne Elliott confirmed later.

The loss gave the Packers their first 1-2 start since 2006, McCarthy’s first season in Green Bay. The Pack also ended a winning streak of six road openers. Rodgers was sacked eight times in the first half, tied for the most in a game his career. Seahawks’ defensive end Chris Clemons tied an NFL record with four sacks of Rodgers. The Packers had 268 total yards to Seattle’s 238, and Green Bay held the ball six-and-a-half minutes longer. Packers’ receiver Greg Jennings returned from a groin injury, and had a team-high six catches for 35 yards. Rodgers completed 26-of-39 for 223 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. The Pack’s only TD was on a one-yard run from Cedric Benson in the final quarter, and a two-point conversion effort failed. Mason Crosby booted field goals of 29 and 40 yards for Green Bay’s only other points. Benson ran for 45 yards. Wilson, the Seahawks rookie from Wisconsin, completed 10-of-21 passes for 130 yards and two scores, both to Tate. Marshawn Lynch ran for 98 yards, as

Seattle won its second straight to improve to 2-1. The Packers will host New Orleans on Sunday.

Tags: wisconsin sports, proam, packers, football