Quote:
Originally posted by mikesears
Derock,
I'm not sure what position you hold on the play about tackling the pitchman and I'm not trying to start another debate on the play. I am simply hoping you are willing to learn.
Thought I would search the casebook for a play where the defense tackles a player who is not a runner and I found one. Here is the play:
Sit 9.2.3C
QB A1 drops back 15 yards and throws a legal forward pass intended for A2, who is 5 yards behind the neutral zone (My Note: We can't have P.I.). Before the pass reaches A2; (a) B1 tackles A2; or (b) B1 blocks A2.
Ruling:
In (a), tackling A2 is a foul,as it is a form of holding (emphasis mine). Defensive players are prohibited from grasping an opponent other than the runner . . . . (b) the Contact by B1 is not pass interference and, if the block itself is legal, there is no infraction (7-5-10).
Not exactly the play that was discussed earlier, but pretty close in principle. Do you still believe that is it okay to tackle a pitchman on an option play? I say, the defense can legally block the pitchman to tie him up, but they may not tackle him.
What say you on this?
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I say what I call will certainly vary from what most of you may call.
First off, the situation as you described is a pass situation and I agree that you have a holding.
However, the option play/video clip was a running play and in my view should be looked at a little differently.
By the rules of holding and definition of a runner or pretending to be a runner, you could make a very good case for holding on B if he tackles the pitchman without the ball. I guess it all comes down to, in the judgement of the official, if the pitchman is pretending to receive the ball or be a runner. The actions of the pitchman will dictate how this call is made or not made.
However, my call and stand on this is the best call is no call. Why no call? Because I, personally, do not see tackling a running back before he takes the handoff as a foul but instead an excellent play by the defense. I have seen this play happen too many times in games where the running back gets tackled before the handoff or pitch--and there were no flags (doesn't mean I'm right or even these officials were right--just an observation). The play was considered a great play by the defense or a missed block by the offense depending which side you asked.