NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Officials prefer not to be noticed. The change at referee from the first half to the second during Tennessee's 27-16 victory over Atlanta couldn't be missed.
Ed Hochuli worked the first half, while Wayne Mackie ran the officiating crew Saturday night for the second half with Hochuli watching from the sideline. The move allowed Mackie, usually a head linesman, the experience of working a preseason game as the referee.
Hochuli went to the microphone several times. He corrected the game time on two clocks and noted Titans coach Mike Munchak couldn't challenge a possible turnover by Matt Ryan because officials had ruled the quarterback was in the grasp of defenders.
Mackie had his chance at two replay reviews and kept his announcements very brief.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org
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