Wall Street Journal

They say that the best referees are the ones you don't notice. That disqualifies just about everyone currently enforcing the rules—or not enforcing them—on NFL football fields this fall. The season ought to have fans talking about the return of Peyton Manning, or the amazing upsets we're already seen, or more close games than I can remember. But all anyone wants to talk about is the abysmal officiating by replacement referees.

Football's Bounty Hunters Must Be Clipped

Payments for causing injury are unacceptable. Gregg Williams should never be seen in the NFL again.

Football is a tough, physical game. It is violent. But there is a line between being violent and being vicious. Former New Orleans Saints Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams crossed that line when he established a bounty system that rewarded players—not for tough, clean football plays but for injuring other players.

Does God Care Who Wins Football Games?

On Sunday, when Denver Bronco wide receiver Demaryius Thomas caught a pass from Tim Tebow on the first play of overtime and ran it all the way for a game-winning touchdown, the stadium erupted. At once, people cried that it was a miracle, and Mr. Tebow went down to pray on one knee in his signature pose. Millions of viewers already knew the first words he would say whenever a reporter caught up to him for a postgame interview: "First of all, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!"