I didn't think it was possible
 

I know they aren't the same. I realize we blew it in the Minneapolis Miracle, and this was a completely different scenario. But, all week leading up to the NFCCG I continued to tell myself, "self, it's been a great year, no matter the outcome. Be proud of this team and realize to make it to the final 4 is something special. No broken remotes if we lose! But more importantly, enjoy the rest of the NFL season. The AFCCG, the Superbowl. Remember, you are a fan of the NFL, not just the Saints. Enjoy it no matter what."

I told myself those things, out loud and to myself. Over and over. I convinced myself that I could handle the outcome, no matter what.

I never would have imagined that two days after the NFCCG 2019, I would feel WORSE than I did last year after the Divisional round.

Yet, here we are. I'm so depressed. I can't even imagine how the team feels. I don't even know if I can stomach watching the Superbowl. I have found some solace in watching sportcenter and NFLN, but not a lot. I don't even know why I'm posting this, other than it seems somewhat therapeutic talking about it.

Anyone else?

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

I was shocked after the Minneapolis Miracle, but ultimately I understood that we relied so heavily on rookies during the season that it was just a matter of time before a rookie mistake cost us a big game.

This is a new feeling for me. I can’t even think about football. It’s been ruined.

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

I completely lost interest in watching the SB based on that game. I mean whats the point if its rigged and calls or non calls that didn't happen.

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

I've been in shock for the past two days. I too plan to miss watching the first Super Bowl in probably 30 or more years. I'm thinking American Pickers reruns are going to be my watching pleasure that day.

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

I don't think it's rigged. The small market argument doesn't cut it for me. Now, if you tell me the refs make a decision to "let them play" more in some games than others, I'll buy it. It was clear they were letting them play. But the egregious nature of this missed call was just so blatant. But I truly do not believe that there was any rigging. It doesn't make sense. Small market or not New Orleans' fan base alone, I would venture to guess that less revenue will be generated from a Rams SB than a Saints SB.

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

Guido! I was going to PM you today. I was worried about you. Haven’t seen you here since the game. Glad to see you here.

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

I used to think it wasn’t rigged until Sunday.
How can all SEVEN officials, each with the power of the flag, miss that call, the PI and the helmet to helmet? It’s almost statistically impossible on such a blatant call. Rigged? You’re damned right it was rigged.

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

My thoughts exactly.

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

It's amazing to me that "let them play" is a thing. All "let them play" means is, we (the refs) can't get the call right anyway so better a no call than a bad call.

Re: I didn't think it was possible
 

The non-reviewable calls are what makes this so messed up. If they were reviewable, the refs would be less apt to "call or not call" out of fear of changing the outcome of the game. I believe that's what happened here. I believe this group of refs decided (before the game even started) how they were going to call the game. And if you think about it, that in-and-of-itself is pretty messed up. Why not make it reviewable? I mean, you have Edlemans punt return being scrutinized from a million angles but you can't review THIS? It makes zero sense.