NFL Replacement Officials Open 2012 Regular Season

The NFL's replacement referee corps opened the regular season Wednesday in New Jersey with the apt-named Jim Core serving as Referee of the seven-man officiating crew as NFL regulars Ed Hochuli, Mike Carey and the regular bloc remain locked out in the midst of a labor dispute between the League and the Referees' union.

Referee Core & Crew.            Photo: Julio Cortez/AP

Referee Core, Umpire Bob Shoulders, Head Linesman Gregory Maxwell, Line Judge Joshua Thurow, Side Judge Brian Stropolo, Field Judge Thaddious Foster and Back Judge Larry Babcock joined Replay Official and NFL veteran Dale Hamer—who is not affected by the labor stoppage—in officiating the hotly contested midweek debut at MetLife Stadium with the Cowboys coming away with the 24-17 victory.

The only significant play drawing the ire of media pundits occured in the second quarter, when it appeared Dallas' Orlando Scandrick was incorrectly not called for a hold against New York's Victor Gruz near the goal line, a no-call that some writers believe cost New York four points.

As for the NFLRA-NFL labor dispute itself, Commissioner Roger Goodell explained, "I have to look at this long-term ... It will get solved."

Final review? As much as advocates may have been looking for a replacement-induced mishap, Wednesday's season opener was decidedly smoother than expected. As NFL executive Ray Anderson summized: "No problems, just as we've been saying all along."

Wrap: Cowboys at Giants (NFL), 9/5/12