Quote:
Originally Posted by cmathews
Granted I don't have my books with me. However, I don't recall any language in the rulebook that says that A must be a potential blocker before B can push them out of the way to get the ball.
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It does, in rule 9.2.3d:
Art. 3...A defensive player shall not:
d. Contact an eligible receiver who is no longer a potential blocker.
Coupled with 2.3.5b (emphasis mine):
Art. 5...A defensive player may also:
b. Push, pull or ward off an opponent in an actual attempt to get at the runner or a loose ball if such contact is
not pass interference, a personal foul or
illegal use of the hands.
In the original post, it can be argued that A2 is no longer a potential blocker, thus the contact, even if in an attempt to get to the QB, is illegal use of the hands.
I think the question is whether A2 (or any other eligible receiver) is a potential blocker when behind the line. The key, I think, in the original post is that "A2 is looking back to the QB", thus is no longer a potential blocker.