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Rough early season for referee Ed Hochuli

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Until this season, NFL referee Ed Hochuli was probably best known as an official who looked like he could strap on a uniform and knock some bodies around on the field. This season, the physically fit official is becoming known for his calls.

He was at the center of another questionable decision Sunday when he called Carolina’s Julius Peppers for a roughing-the-passer penalty that wiped out a Panthers interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C.

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After Matt Ryan’s pass was intercepted by Richard Marshall, Hochuli threw a flag and ruled Peppers made helmet-to-helmet contact with Ryan. The call erased the touchdown and gave the Falcons a first down on a drive that ended with a punt.

A replay showed that Peppers hit Ryan as he released the ball and appeared to make contact first with his shoulder.

Two weeks ago, Hochuli’s missed call helped Denver to a 39-38 comeback victory over San Diego. Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler dropped back to pass and had the ball slip from his hand as he raised his arm. San Diego recovered the apparent fumble, but Hochuli, who has refereed in two Super Bowls, ruled it an incomplete pass. He later admitted it was the wrong call.

Denver retained possession, scored a touchdown and then won with a two-point conversion.

-- Dan Loumena

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