Quote:
Originally posted by doogs
The rule does not state anything about impeding progress. Only contact.
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There is a term that many call a "rulebook official." That is when an official only looks for justification in the rules and does not use any training or common sense. In order to hold someone, you have to impede, restrict or change the actions of a player. The rules do not have to say that, but all the training and interpretations do not suggest a hold as "touching." If I have freedom of movement, not sure how I can be held on a play like this?
Quote:
Originally posted by doogs
Does that mean the word contact has a different meaning for this rule than it does for the down by contact rule?
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No, there is just such thing as incidental contact. No where are you going to find in any football rulebook where contact is not expected. Illegal contact in the NFL code I am sure is defined and there are further interpretations that say exactly what that is. BTW, there are not special restrictions for defense over the offense. Both offense and defense have an equal right to the ball or to a spot. Either you do not understand the entire pass restrictions or you are just looking for one line in a rulebook to support something you otherwise cannot support. Even the media is not focusing on that aspect of this foul.
Peace