Rationale for TD

[jTheUmp]

Thanks for the video on the OPI play. Looks like the foul was on the B's key (second receiver from the sideline) about 3 yards downfield from the LOS. In that case, it was almost certainly B's flag (and he'd be standing on the end line, 26 yards from the LOS). So B has to throw the flag, and then ask H where the pass was caught.

If the H said it was behind the LOS... B picks up his flag, and H gets a downgrade.

[Suudy]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Thanks for the video on the OPI play. Looks like the foul was on the B's key (second receiver from the sideline) about 3 yards downfield from the LOS. In that case, it was almost certainly B's flag (and he'd be standing on the end line, 26 yards from the LOS). So B has to throw the flag, and then ask H where the pass was caught.

If the H said it was behind the LOS... B picks up his flag, and H gets a downgrade.

Ah. Thanks for the clarification.

So how do keys work in 7/8 man mechanics? I presume that the H/LJ would have the area near the LOS since there is plenty of help downfield. Keys are an initial read, and given the strength was to the H side, he'd have the inside receivers (at least in 5 man mechanics).

And re-watching, the receiver was the back. Who has the back in this case? Apparently the B?

[jTheUmp]

Initial receiver keys are the same in both 7- and 8- person mechanics.

Backs in the tackle box are ignored for purposes of determining initial keys.

Assuming nobody in motion:
F and S have the widest receiver on their side of the formation.

L and H have the second receiver (counting from the sideline towards the ball).

B has the 3rd receiver on the trips side. If there are two receivers on each side, B takes the 2nd receiver on L's side, and L shifts to the running back. If the 3rd receiver is a TE, B will initially key on the TE, but will switch to the 2nd receiver if the TE doesn't release down-field immediately at the snap (and H or L, depending on which side the TE's on, will switch from 2nd receiver to the TE).

If 4 receivers line up on one side, B takes 3rd and 4th receivers.

If a receiver is in motion, H and L are responsible for the motion man on their side of the ball, no matter where he is on the field relative to other receivers, and F/S/B switch their keys accordingly.

There's a couple wrinkles that I won't get into here... what I said above covers about 90% of situations.

[Suudy]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Initial receiver keys are the same in both 7- and 8- person mechanics.

Backs in the tackle box are ignored for purposes of determining initial keys.

Assuming nobody in motion:
F and S have the widest receiver on their side of the formation.

L and H have the second receiver (counting from the sideline towards the ball).

B has the 3rd receiver on the trips side. If there are two receivers on each side, B takes the 2nd receiver on L's side, and L shifts to the running back. If the 3rd receiver is a TE, B will initially key on the TE, but will switch to the 2nd receiver if the TE doesn't release down-field immediately at the snap (and H or L, depending on which side the TE's on, will switch from 2nd receiver to the TE).

If 4 receivers line up on one side, B takes 3rd and 4th receivers.

If a receiver is in motion, H and L are responsible for the motion man on their side of the ball, no matter where he is on the field relative to other receivers, and F/S/B switch their keys accordingly.

There's a couple wrinkles that I won't get into here... what I said above covers about 90% of situations.

Phew. Complex! And I remember when we went from 4-man to 5-man, and keys were a new concept. Seems like going from 5-man to 7-man would be quite a shift.

And I'm unsure what you mean in the motion case. You say H/L are "responsible for the motion made on their side of the ball." Can this change? So in the play posted, the motion man starts on the LJ side and goes to the H side. Does LJ have him the whole time? Or does he pass it to H when H gets to his side?

Thanks for the details. Perhaps technical and boring to some, but I find it very interesting and greatly appreciate your detailed response.

[jTheUmp]

Originally Posted by Suudy

You say H/L are "responsible for the motion made on their side of the ball." Can this change? So in the play posted, the motion man starts on the LJ side and goes to the H side. Does LJ have him the whole time? Or does he pass it to H when H gets to his side?

In that scenario, L will take the motion man until he passes the center, then he becomes H's key.

[jpgc99]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

If a receiver is in motion, H and L are responsible for the motion man on their side of the ball, no matter where he is on the field relative to other receivers, and F/S/B switch their keys accordingly.

This is not correct according to CFO mechanics. Keys are determined at the snap. So wherever the motion man is relative to the other players at the snap determines the key assignment.

[Suudy]

Originally Posted by jTheUmp

Thanks for the video on the OPI play. Looks like the foul was on the B's key (second receiver from the sideline) about 3 yards downfield from the LOS. In that case, it was almost certainly B's flag (and he'd be standing on the end line, 26 yards from the LOS). So B has to throw the flag, and then ask H where the pass was caught.

If the H said it was behind the LOS... B picks up his flag, and H gets a downgrade.

Looks like the Pac-12 acknowledged the missed OPI call.

Pac-12 VP of officiating addresses controversial calls from last week - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN

But no mention of the mechanics.