I think we all agree with the intent of the offense is to get the clock stopped. But say you have the flag and the clock stops with 1--2 seconds left. they have achieved their goal. you march the five yards off. now i know the clock will start with the whistle but if they are set before you blow and once it is blown they get the snap off they have accomplished what they set out to do and used/violated the rules to their advantage or unfair advantage depending on how you see it.

i know the nfl is a whole different game but maybe the automatic 10 second countoff on any offensive penalty late in the game, at what time that should begin i am sure is very debatable.

i played college football in the early 80s and was the holder for fgs. we had a play where late in the half or games we would line up and the left guard would jump offsides to stop the clock. we would get reset before the whistle and get the snap off.

ran it twice and the results were two successful fgs.

so i understand the intent of the players/coaches as well.