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We have gone back and forth on this fumble/beanbag issue. I think the "best" argument in favor of the bag is that fans, players, fellow officals, etc. have become accustomed to seeing a bag indicate a fumble. While the spot is not important under NF rules, the bag "shows" everyone there was a fumble, especially on a close play (such as was the QB's arm going foward before the ball came out?).
That having been said, the spot is indeed not important 99.99% of the time. The only senario I can think of where it would be important is an IW while the ball is loose after the fumble. However, I can't think of a reason why a team would want to take the ball at the spot of the fumble if it is behind the LOS, but I suppose you could argue that the spot matters. Is there some other situation I am missing where the spot of the fumble is important?
I tend not to throw the bag on a fumble clearly behind the LOS, but I suppose I really don't see the harm in having one.
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If the play is designed to fool someone, make sure you aren't the fool.
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