illegal shift

[MRD]

wide receiver goes in motion and the qb starts moving backward in anticipation of but before the snap. does that constitute illegal shift? thanks

[jTheUmp]

By the exact letter of the law, yes.

By philosophy, it probably depends on how much movement we're talking about on the QB's part.

That's why we get paid the mediocre bucks.

[InsideTheStripe]

No. If the QB pulls out enough to consider an illegal shift as described, it would be a false start. I'm guessing that their timing is just a lick off and you're trying to have the best eyes in the stadium.