Darrell Davis: Seven officials were enough for CFL

Adding another official through the rest of the playoffs means the CFL will now have eight sets of eyes watching 24 players during every play.

Stop it! The intention is admirable, but if seven officials can’t see vicious helmet-to-helmet hits being absorbed recently by the league’s quarterbacks, an extra guy watching solely for head shots isn’t going to make a difference.

Three years ago the CFL re-positioned its umpires, moving them from the dangerous defensive backfield into the offensive backfield, where it was supposed to be a safer spot to watch for penalties. With the head referee nearby, there are now two officials within easy view of the quarterbacks. Will a third really help? Puh-leeze.

Video challenges are ruining all sports by taking away their spontaneity, but because the CFL has no intention of dumping reviews, the replay booth may as well oversee roughing-the-passer penalties. TV cameras have already proven they can see a quarterback’s head whip-lashing much better than an on-field official can see it happening.