Always an expanded neutral zone?

[JMN]

Originally posted by cmathews
while I completely understand and agree that by the letter the drive blocking lineman was down field...would we all have had a flag or more of a warning.

Cmatthews,

I was thinking the same thing. Although I would also have to see it, my inclination is to stretch the expanded neutral zone to include this action for that play and issue a stern warning to the offensive lineman.

I'm not sure that I would consider a block 5 yds downfield to have an impact on the play unless it was a short pass over the middle or the defensive player was defending the receiver.

Mike, I'm not criticizing your call. Just thinking out loud.