I have some bad news for everyone who thinks that employing real NFL refs is important, and who thinks that NFL is being short-sighted in using replacement refs:

The scabs weren't too bad last night.

I hate to say it. I really hate to say it. After covering the replacement baseball players in the spring of 1995, I never wanted to see replacement anythings in sports again. I expected the Cowboys-Giants game to become a fiasco filled with bad calls and awkward communication.

Instead, the replacement refs did fine.

I fear what that means.

Does it mean the NFL owners will feel emboldened to keep using replacements, and continue their hard-line negotiations with the real refs?

Probably.

Before last night, I thought the refs would be back for Week 2 games. Now, I believe only a series of catastrophes on the field this weekend will force the NFL's hand. And if last night was any indication, the replaceement refs won't be quite that bad.

-----------------------------

I'll be on 1500espn at 2:05 today. My Twitter handle is @Souhanstrib.