Quote:
Originally posted by Patsfan2431
I've had my white hat call an ineligible man down field this weekend. He expalined to me the rule, basically quoting from the rule book, but can any of you guys help me with some real play examples. It would help me to understand how to see when this occurs.
Thanks..
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You can be ineligible by number or by position.
Numbers 50-79 are ineligible to go beyond the neutral zone expanded when a forward pass is thrown beyond the neutral zone -- ineligible by number.
By position, interior linemen are ineligible. An eligible receiver must be a back or on the end of the line. Example,
Line 80 77 67 50 68 78 82
Numbers 80 and 82 are eligible by their position on the end of the line.
Line 80 87 67 50 68 78 82
Now 87 is an eligible number but is ineligible by position -- he is an interior lineman.
Sometimes players make a mistake and position themselves incorrectly, therefore, becoming ineligible.
Example:
Line 80 77 67 50 68 78 84 82
Number 84 is suppose to be in the slot between the tackle and the end. But he steps on the line and becomes 'covered' by 82. If he goes downfield and a forward pass is thrown. He is ineligible.
Hope this helps.