[Bob M.]

REPLY: Regarding an illegal pick (OPI), this is another place where it's absolutely essential to see the entire play. For this to be called properly, the offensive receiver will be most likely be 'hunting' for the defensive back. He will have the d-back in his sights off the line rather than looking back toward the QB. That's why staying on your keys a little longer is incredibly important in the red zone. Too often, you'll see the defender get knocked on his rear, but fail to see the action that preceded it. And you feel the irresistible urge to drop the hankie. It's entirely possible that the offensive receiver was running a legitimate route looking for the ball and just collided with the defender in nothing more than incidental contact--no foul. You need to watch the offensive receiver come off the line and see his intent. Usually, when a pick (OPI) is called for, you'll see the receiver altering his 'route' to make sure that he contacts the defender. Two other things to remember: (1) there's got to be contact for this to be called. If the defender sees it coming and stops, or alters his path, to avoid the contact, it's NOT a pick and there is no foul, and (2) unless a legal forward pass is thrown beyond the neutral zone, it can't be OPI.