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Rams43
You know, the All World LOT for the Cowboys?
The announcers showed 4 clips of Smith blocking an opponent in this game by way of illustrating how and why he's considered such a dominant player.
In three of these replays, we saw Smith throwing his opponent to the ground at the end of his block by using his superior hand and arm strength. Like a rag doll. Some posters have said that that's impossible without holding, matter of fact. Nary a flag, y'all. Instead, raves about what a stud he is. Yet GRob often draws a flag with the exact same technique. I mean, EXACT SAME technique.
On the 4th replay, Smith was clearly guilty of a hands to the face penalty. Even Collinsworth commented on it. But again, no flag.
What's my point?
Well, I think there are clearly two standards for refs throwing flags on identical blocking techniques in this league. One standard for the "cool kids" like Smith, and another standard for the "problem child reputation" kids like GRob. And it's a vicious circle or self fulfilling prophecy thing at this point for GRob. Hard to see how he can win, frankly.
When holds can be called on SO many plays, no doubt that reputation plays a huge part on who draws the flag, and no doubt that our guy's rep is hurting him - and the team - badly.
I know some will mock me on this, but I've seen it with my own eyes too many times when being as objective as humanly possible. I invite those denying this to watch the LOT play in future Ram games, including the play of the opposing LOT.
Need more evidence of a double standard? Just remember back to the way opposing LOT's got away with murder when defending against a healthy Quinn.
Anyway, rant over. Just wanted to get that off my chest.
BTW, I'm certainly not saying that Smith is anything less than a terrific LOT. Just commenting on the unfairness of the double standard.