Instant replay is back in the NFL after an eight-year absence, and it had exactly the desired effect on the first day of the season.
Hardly anyone noticed.An hour before kickoff in Cleveland, where the Browns returned as an expansion team after nearly four years, NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue said he was pleased with instant replay's return.
"So far today, we've already had a few reversals. I understand there was one in the Green Bay game," Tagliabue said. "Over the course of the season I think it will work very well. Will it make officiating perfect? No, but nothing in life is perfect.
"The technology we use is light years ahead of what it used to be, and we're very adamant in training people properly."
The Packers' comeback over Oakland got the biggest assist from the NFL's new replay rule.
The system, which allows challenges of calls by coaches before the last two minutes of each half, had its biggest effect in Green Bay.
With 8:10 left and the Packers trailing 24-14, tight end Tyrone Davis leaped for a catch at the Raiders 14, but officials ruled the pass incomplete. Green Bay coach Ray Rhodes challenged the call by pushing his beeper, and referee Tony Corrente reversed the decision and ruled a completed pass.
Two plays later, Favre threw an 8-yard TD pass to Corey Bradford. The score cut Oakland's lead to 24-21 with 7:20 to play, and the Packers scored again with 11 seconds left for a 28-24 victory.
"Congratulations for the beeper system," Raiders coach Jon Gruden said.
New Orleans coach Mike Ditka wasted no time taking advantage of the new rule.
On the Saints' third possession, Billy Joe Hobert was apparently sacked by Panthers LB Mike Barrow. Officials ruled that Hobert fumbled, and William Roaf recovered for a loss of 7 yards on the play. Ditka challenged, and the play was ruled an incomplete pass.
The Saints regained the 7 yards and did not lose a timeout.
Chicago missed out on its challenge of a call, claiming Shane Matthews' fumble that Kansas City returned for a touchdown should have been called an incomplete pass.
But referees let the touchdown stand, costing the Bears a timeout, after reviewing the play. Chicago still won 20-17.