Momentum question

[sj]

A1 is running inside the five yard line after a long run. B1 has an angle on him and catches him and simply takes the ball away from him at the 2 yard line. B1's momentum takes him into the end zone where he is downed.

Does everybody agree this is a momentum exception based on this being a fumble and it will be B's ball on the two?

[BktBallRef]

Works for me.

[andy1033]

Should be a bean bag at the 2. Looks like you got it right

[SouthGARef]

Without looking at the rulebooks:

Wouldn't this be a safety? I thought one of the provisions for the momentum exception was that it was a grounded fumble? Since this is not a grounded fumble, the exception would not apply and you'd have to call this a safety...

[Smiley]

Nope the word grounded is not in the exception to 8.5.2a. You may be thinking of what constitutes a new force. In this case, the force is clearly the B player carrying the "recovered fumble" into the endzone.

[SouthGARef]

Originally Posted by Smiley

Nope the word grounded is not in the exception to 8.5.2a. You may be thinking of what constitutes a new force. In this case, the force is clearly the B player carrying the "recovered fumble" into the endzone.

Alrighty then. I like being wrong. I learn more that way.

[Rick KY]

The momentum rule applies to catching or recovering a pass, fumble or kick. Is stealing the ball away the same as recovering or catching? Fumbling is loss of possession by other than handing, kicking or passing. Is stealing the ball the same as handing? If you determine this is a fumble, then I guess momentum applies. If you rule it is handing, then momentum would not apply.