Regular Refs Almost Cost Arizona

[Garthshort]

Thanks guys, I didn't know the rule. And to be honest, I still don't. The TV guys never even considered a defensive penalty. Let's call in Mike Pererira (Sp?) for an answer. My point, besides the refs, was that KK didn't make a real bad pass as he probably didn't expect Fitz to be pushed out of bounds, penalty or no penalty.

 

[Duckjake]

Thanks guys, I didn't know the rule. And to be honest, I still don't. The TV guys never even considered a defensive penalty. Let's call in Mike Pererira (Sp?) for an answer. My point, besides the refs, was that KK didn't make a real bad pass as he probably didn't expect Fitz to be pushed out of bounds, penalty or no penalty.

I was reading the nfl rules last night and here is the rule:

...

or if the quarterback leaves the pocket area, the restrictions (illegal chuck, illegal cut) on the defensive team relative to the offensive receivers will end, provided the ball is not in the air.

http://www.nfl.com/rulebook/useofhands

Here's a rule nobody follows: Hands (open or closed) can be thrust forward to initially contact an opponent on or outside the opponent’s frame, but the blocker immediately must work to bring his hands on or inside the frame.

One thing that I can't find reference to is ineligible receivers downfield. I see linemen past the los all the time on screens and swing passes. Are they allowed to do that if the pass is thrown behind the line of scrimmage?

 

[D-Dogg]

I agree - it wasn't a bad pass. Fitz got pushed away and Kolb released within a very short period of time. 60 times out of 100 it's a TD. 38 its incomplete. 1 it's a flag. 1 it's a pick.

 

[Fitz Rulz]

ineligible receivers downfield
doesn't matter on a running play, tipped pass, backward, lateral,
or forward pass that doesn't cross LOS

 

[Duckjake]

ineligible receivers downfield
doesn't matter on a running play, tipped pass, backward, lateral,
or forward pass that doesn't cross LOS

That's what I was looking for and had guessed was the rule. thanks