Jul 30th 2008 1:20PM by Matt Snyder (author feed)
Filed under: Bears, Eagles, NFL RefereesThe most famous official in the history of sports because of his long-winded explanations and cartoon-character physique — at least in his mind — is going to pay the Chicago Bears a little visit this week. On the agenda for Ed Hochuli, among other things, is informing the Bears that the rule which saved their backside against the Eagles last year has been changed.

Remember what happened?

Basically, Olin Kreutz snapped the ball on a shotgun through Brian Griese’s legs … and Griese didn’t touch it. The result of the play seemed to be a TD for the Eagles, as they picked up the loose ball and headed to paydirt.

Hochuli and his crew, however, properly ruled that since the QB never touched the ball it was a false start.

In what is clearly a good decision by the NFL, any backwards snap is now ruled as a live ball. Thus, the play last year would be a fumble should it occur in ‘08 or beyond.

This is pure speculation, but I’d bet Hochuli himself had a lot to do with the rule change. I officiate high school football, and I can tell you there is nothing that sucks more than having to make what seems like the wrong call because you are bound to the rules. Even in HS, we have the opportunity to petition for rule changes, which means they obviously have the same option in the NFL. With a voice as loud and convincing as Hochuli — he is a lawyer afterall — he was likely the driving force.

Kudos, Ed. Now go get back on that peck deck and feel the burn.