UConn James Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 Asked this in the GDT, but the fast-moving nature of that thread isn’t for something like this: Am I the only one who doesn’t get what the point of the ineligible man downfield penalty is? I mean… I understand what the engineering of it is — no lineman past the los on a pass play unless engaged — but I just don’t understand why it’s such a problem deserving of a penalty. What is its advantage? Boettger was one yard past the line of scrimmage on the called-back TD to Knox, on the opposite side of the field. 1 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bferra13 Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 minute ago, UConn James said: Asked this in the GDT, but the fast-moving nature of that thread isn’t for something like this: Am I the only one who doesn’t get what the point of the ineligible man downfield penalty is? I mean… I understand what the engineering of it is — no lineman past the los on a pass play unless engaged — but I just don’t understand why it’s such a problem deserving of a penalty. What is its advantage? Boettger was one yard past the line of scrimmage on the called-back TD to Knox, on the opposite side of the field. Because it creates another man for the d to cover. 3 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbowman14 Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 3 minutes ago, Bferra13 said: Because it creates another man for the d to cover. And defenders key run/pass based on what OL does. If they are allowed downfield it throws off keys. This has become a huge gray area with RPOs. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 11 minutes ago, Bferra13 said: Because it creates another man for the d to cover. Not sure I understand this answer. Only an OT can be "eligible" and the D knows this prior to the play. So a non-eligible OL, an OG especially, can't go out for a pass. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giuseppe Tognarelli Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 What is the rule for yardage? How far up the field makes it a penalty? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eSJayDee Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 hour ago, Doc said: Not sure I understand this answer. Only an OT can be "eligible" and the D knows this prior to the play. So a non-eligible OL, an OG especially, can't go out for a pass. Yes, they technically not eligible, but if one or more ineligible linemen were to go down field, it would add to the confusion of the defenders. Who am I supposed to cover? Having them have to locate which one is eligible would give the offense an (unfair?) advantage. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nextmanup Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 hour ago, Giuseppe Tognarelli said: What is the rule for yardage? How far up the field makes it a penalty? The ineligible man downfield can't be beyond the line of scrimmage at the time the ball is thrown, without blocking an opponent at the time of the pass. That's the infraction. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Turk Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 hour ago, Giuseppe Tognarelli said: What is the rule for yardage? How far up the field makes it a penalty? 1 yard down field... https://www.rookieroad.com/football/penalties/ineligible-downfield-pass/ Looks like it was a double play called... A screen to the left or the play to Knox at the bottom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meatloaf63 Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 2 hours ago, Bferra13 said: Because it creates another man for the d to cover. No not if they are not eligible… 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UConn James Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 But… by one yard? It mandates that if your team does end up passing, the OL has to allow itself to be pushed back. And yes, in these days of the RPO it’s like… 💁🏻♂️. Downfield, OK. One yard past the LOS, tho? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bferra13 Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 minute ago, Meatloaf63 said: No not if they are not eligible… Yeah but doesn't that have to be announced before the play? It has to do with the blocking schemes and who is covered and wat not. I don't really know the rules there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJS Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 I don't think they need to alter rules to make things easier on the offense. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaoloBillsFanFromItaly Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 If linemen could go downfield on passing plays they could literaly destroys DBs after WR catches the ball. Moreover linemen moving forward or backward is the primary run/pass key for defense, defense is very tough nowadays in NFL, no need to give further advantage to offense. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalo Junction Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 A bunch of linemen downfield could just pancake the second level of defenders. They’d be setting up run blocks 10+ yards downfield while a pass play develops. Couple that with the rules banning defenders from cutting linemen out of the box and you have a recipe for unstoppable offensive plays. Imagine a reverse throwback to Allen or Lamar Jackson where the OL is allowed to engage defenders out of position 10-20 yards downfield…. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuco Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 3 hours ago, UConn James said: Asked this in the GDT, but the fast-moving nature of that thread isn’t for something like this: Am I the only one who doesn’t get what the point of the ineligible man downfield penalty is? I mean… I understand what the engineering of it is — no lineman past the los on a pass play unless engaged — but I just don’t understand why it’s such a problem deserving of a penalty. What is its advantage? Boettger was one yard past the line of scrimmage on the called-back TD to Knox, on the opposite side of the field. Boettger was at the 5 and still moving forward when they stopped the feed on the replay. But at that point Josh changed course and it was another 2 seconds where you couldn't see Boettger before Josh threw the ball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not at the table Karlos Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 5 hours ago, Meatloaf63 said: No not if they are not eligible… Try figuring out which guy is eligible when a bunch of offensive players run into a mess of defensive players. Makes for an unfair advantage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvlevydraftdaygenius Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 9 hours ago, UConn James said: Asked this in the GDT, but the fast-moving nature of that thread isn’t for something like this: Am I the only one who doesn’t get what the point of the ineligible man downfield penalty is? I mean… I understand what the engineering of it is — no lineman past the los on a pass play unless engaged — but I just don’t understand why it’s such a problem deserving of a penalty. What is its advantage? Boettger was one yard past the line of scrimmage on the called-back TD to Knox, on the opposite side of the field. Yeah, but Ike almost pulled a Bo Jackson on the play where he almost ran into the tunnel, he wanted to get a better seat in the locker room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1ManRaid Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 7 hours ago, UConn James said: But… by one yard? It mandates that if your team does end up passing, the OL has to allow itself to be pushed back. And yes, in these days of the RPO it’s like… 💁🏻♂️. Downfield, OK. One yard past the LOS, tho? One yard past the LoS IS downfield, you have to draw the line somewhere and the LoS is a logical place to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave mcbride Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 16 minutes ago, 1ManRaid said: One yard past the LoS IS downfield, you have to draw the line somewhere and the LoS is a logical place to do it. No, it should be one yard and is for a reason—it doesn’t penalize you for destroying the defender in front of you and moving him back on a good block. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1ManRaid Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 25 minutes ago, dave mcbride said: No, it should be one yard and is for a reason—it doesn’t penalize you for destroying the defender in front of you and moving him back on a good block. You misunderstand me, I wasn't clear. One yard is the proper limit, I meant near the LoS is the logical place to base it on. Can't have a D lineman sidestep, the O lineman stumbles forward a step, and oops illegal man downfield. O linemen downfield would wreak havoc on the LBs and DBs and lead to basketball scores in games. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeGOATski Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 The refs don't seem to consider the spirit of the rules anymore. Overall, I was happy with that crew though. They mostly let the players play and it was a smooth game. I wouldn't have minded an extra roughing the passer call for Allen.... 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 7 hours ago, PaoloBillsFanFromItaly said: If linemen could go downfield on passing plays they could literaly destroys DBs after WR catches the ball. Moreover linemen moving forward or backward is the primary run/pass key for defense, defense is very tough nowadays in NFL, no need to give further advantage to offense. If linemen went downfield, who'd be protecting the QB. There's pros and cons involved. The game would change if the rule was revoked but only a bit. I wonder when this rule was first implemented and what problem it was supposed to solve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 3 minutes ago, LeGOATski said: The refs don't seem to consider the spirit of the rules anymore. Overall, I was happy with that crew though. They mostly let the players play and it was a smooth game. I wouldn't have minded an extra roughing the passer call for Allen.... loved this crew. Made the game totally watchable. I even liked them not calling the roughing calls. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back2Buff Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 The problem I have with this rule, is that its not constantly called. Like its so subjective, a lineman can be 20 yards down field if he is "blocking" another player? It's just such a dumb rule. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Slacks Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 8 hours ago, Big Turk said: 1 yard down field... https://www.rookieroad.com/football/penalties/ineligible-downfield-pass/ Looks like it was a double play called... A screen to the left or the play to Knox at the bottom. I was at the game live and it felt like a broken play. Or the play was covered so Josh scrambled right and threw it. Amazing play. I took my eyes away from the left side when I watched him scramble right so I haven’t been able to see who was downfield. They wouldn’t show hardly any replays on the Jumbotron in the stadium. It was definitely a “wow” play that I was excited to see live. Had that play stood then the second Josh INT would have never happened. I’m anxious to rewatch the game I recorded when I get home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meatloaf63 Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 4 hours ago, Not at the table Karlos said: Try figuring out which guy is eligible when a bunch of offensive players run into a mess of defensive players. Makes for an unfair advantage. I would agree with that, I do think 1 yard is too restrictive.., Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 11 hours ago, UConn James said: Asked this in the GDT, but the fast-moving nature of that thread isn’t for something like this: Am I the only one who doesn’t get what the point of the ineligible man downfield penalty is? I mean… I understand what the engineering of it is — no lineman past the los on a pass play unless engaged — but I just don’t understand why it’s such a problem deserving of a penalty. What is its advantage? Boettger was one yard past the line of scrimmage on the called-back TD to Knox, on the opposite side of the field. Because teams would have free offensive linemen running full speed downfield and laying out DBs and LBs as soon as passes got completed. You could run shallow crosses and have OL plaster defenders coming across as soon as the ball was caught. It would be crazy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Livinginthepast Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 The infraction on that particular play had absolutely nothing to do with the outcome of the play and was very minor. It would have been a good time for a "non call". Overall though the crew for the Bills game did a better job than the usual crap we have come to expect. The end of the Dallas game was another story! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 12 minutes ago, BarleyNY said: Because teams would have free offensive linemen running full speed downfield and laying out DBs and LBs as soon as passes got completed. You could run shallow crosses and have OL plaster defenders coming across as soon as the ball was caught. It would be crazy. How is this a bad thing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Turk Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 hour ago, Fred Slacks said: I was at the game live and it felt like a broken play. Or the play was covered so Josh scrambled right and threw it. Amazing play. I took my eyes away from the left side when I watched him scramble right so I haven’t been able to see who was downfield. They wouldn’t show hardly any replays on the Jumbotron in the stadium. It was definitely a “wow” play that I was excited to see live. Had that play stood then the second Josh INT would have never happened. I’m anxious to rewatch the game I recorded when I get home. Looked like 3 of the OL were downfield 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frostbitmic Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 They only called Boettger for being downfield but it looked to me like Morse and Ford were right there with him. That sometimes happens when the play call doesn't work as planned and the QB has to scramble around looking for another option. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarleyNY Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 9 minutes ago, hondo in seattle said: How is this a bad thing? It would be terrible for the game of football. Defenders would be dropping like flies. There are so many potential issues if it were ever allowed. Luckily that won’t ever happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt_In_NH Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 know the rules, execute. The rule makes sense. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichRiderBills Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 (edited) 12 hours ago, UConn James said: Asked this in the GDT, but the fast-moving nature of that thread isn’t for something like this: Am I the only one who doesn’t get what the point of the ineligible man downfield penalty is? I mean… I understand what the engineering of it is — no lineman past the los on a pass play unless engaged — but I just don’t understand why it’s such a problem deserving of a penalty. What is its advantage? Boettger was one yard past the line of scrimmage on the called-back TD to Knox, on the opposite side of the field. This play is another that could be called 5-6 times a game if held to the bogus written law. I get agregious violations where an OL is 5 yards down field cracking skulls but the call on Boettger was a bad call. He was not even play side and had no effect on the play. I think refs are generally good with this call and don't usually call minor in infractions. Edited November 26, 2021 by RichRiderBills 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoyBatty is alive Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 13 hours ago, UConn James said: Asked this in the GDT, but the fast-moving nature of that thread isn’t for something like this: Am I the only one who doesn’t get what the point of the ineligible man downfield penalty is? I mean… I understand what the engineering of it is — no lineman past the los on a pass play unless engaged — but I just don’t understand why it’s such a problem deserving of a penalty. What is its advantage? Boettger was one yard past the line of scrimmage on the called-back TD to Knox, on the opposite side of the field. No he was almost in the end zone, well past 5 yards beyond the LOS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djp14150 Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 11 hours ago, Nextmanup said: The ineligible man downfield can't be beyond the line of scrimmage at the time the ball is thrown, without blocking an opponent at the time of the pass. That's the infraction. Yes and NO… in general for pass plays the lineman needs to be within the 1 yr boundary unless he is still engaged with a pass rusher. If it’s a design screen play linemen are allowed to go down field and exceed the 1 yr before the ball is thrown. If the ball is thrown to an area where the downfield lineman are not then a penalty is called. This also can happen on a Allen rollout run/ pass option play. The lineman gets too far downfield thinking he’s running but then passes and penalty gets called. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UConn James Posted November 26, 2021 Author Share Posted November 26, 2021 1 hour ago, frostbitmic said: They only called Boettger for being downfield but it looked to me like Morse and Ford were right there with him. That sometimes happens when the play call doesn't work as planned and the QB has to scramble around looking for another option. 23 minutes ago, RoyBatty is alive said: No he was almost in the end zone, well past 5 yards beyond the LOS. The play was inside the 5, iirc. I’d love to see the replay again but yes, as I recall they had the blue and yellow LOS and first down lines superimposed. Morse and Dawkins were just a bit behind Ike, and Ike was just past the LOS. Like a yard. And it’s not like he was doibb no g anything. They were all just ambling around looking over at the other side of field where the play was happening for the last five seconds. They were totally out of the play. It may have been the letter of the rule but it definitely wasn’t the spirit of the rule. IMO, the refs didn’t like the degree of brokenness of the play and just decided to throw a flag. It is after all the No Fun League. 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoyBatty is alive Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 2 minutes ago, UConn James said: The play was inside the 5, iirc. I’d love to see the replay again but yes, as I recall they had the blue and yellow LOS and first down lines superimposed. Morse and Dawkins were just a bit behind Ike, and Ike was just past the LOS. Like a yard. And it’s not like he was doibb no g anything. They were all just ambling around looking over at the other side of field where the play was happening for the last five seconds. They were totally out of the play. It may have been the letter of the rule but it definitely wasn’t the spirit of the rule. IMO, the refs didn’t like the degree of brokenness of the play and just decided to throw a flag. It is after all the No Fun League. No the play started at the 7. Allen looked like the play was designed to go to the left, he pulled the ball back wheeled around ran to the right and found Knox. I dont think it was really Ike fault. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. K Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 That play looked like a screen fake misdirection type of play. Man got caught to far up field. The only thing I didn't like about the call is that the play went to the other side of the field. But still rules are rules. No Dan Campbell calling back to back time outs woof.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerome007 Posted November 26, 2021 Share Posted November 26, 2021 11 hours ago, PaoloBillsFanFromItaly said: If linemen could go downfield on passing plays they could literaly destroys DBs after WR catches the ball. Moreover linemen moving forward or backward is the primary run/pass key for defense, defense is very tough nowadays in NFL, no need to give further advantage to offense. This When you play defense, if the OL is pushing and going downfield, you KNOW it's a running play. As defensive players, it's part of your read. And as mentioned, the OL blocking DBs downfield would be, hum, dangerous for the DBs' health ha ha. On the penalty called on the Bills, I can understand the guys downfield, they had no one in front of them! But it was the right call regardless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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