Muffed Punt-Line to Gain

[Altor]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

The muff was close to the expanded neutral zone, so I wouldn't blame anybody for getting possession wrong. However, it'd be a new series for whichever team is awarded it, line-to-gain notwithstanding.

So, I was thinking this at first too...but then I dug into the rulebook to double check myself and I don't believe the expanded neutral zone applies in this situation.

Rule 6-2-6 refers to the touching of a LOW scrimmage kick in or behind the expanded neutral zone and says to ignore it. When I read this, I'm thinking of a blocked or partially blocked kick that does not clear the lineman. I don't believe this is intended to include a high punt that comes down in the expanded part of the expanded neutral zone.

Rule 6-2-4 allows K to recover a kick that has been touched beyond the neutral zone (not expanded neutral zone) by R.

Am I incorrect here?

edit: just read case book 6.2.6. I believe the wording of this supports me as well.