legal play ? / snapper protection ?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Bob M.

REPLY: I agree. Snapper is still protected, but I'm a little concerned with A2 on the end of the line, then going in motion.

Why - the OP specifically says he was 5 yards back at the snap. Sounds legal to me.

[Jim D]

I almost had a first last week. I had an end go in motion while on the line. He lined up as an end and then stated running slowly along the line toward the sideline. At first I thought he was going to reset, but then he started running slower and slower as he got near the sideline. I was waiting for the snap to throw my flag but an interior lineman jumped and spoiled my fun.

[andy1033]

If he stops between the center and the kicker the center loses his protection.

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Why - the OP specifically says he was 5 yards back at the snap. Sounds legal to me.

REPLY: You're right. I had missed the fact that he was 5 yards back.

[dumbref]

I have always thought only an end could go in motion. But the way the rule is written, I think any body on the line could go in motion - as long as he can still shift (not in 3 or 4 point stance) and is at least five yards deep at the snap. True?

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by dumbref

I have always thought only an end could go in motion. But the way the rule is written, I think any body on the line could go in motion - as long as he can still shift (not in 3 or 4 point stance) and is at least five yards deep at the snap. True?

You still need 7 on the line at the snap, no matter who has gone into motion. This is why you'll see a TE take an initial position on the line with the WR lined up outside of him off the line, the TE then steps back off the line while the WR moves up to the line. After they're both set for a second the TE will go into motion.

[dumbref]

Originally Posted by waltjp

You still need 7 on the line at the snap, no matter who has gone into motion. This is why you'll see a TE take an initial position on the line with the WR lined up outside of him off the line, the TE then steps back off the line while the WR moves up to the line. After they're both set for a second the TE will go into motion.

Agree, still must have seven on the line at the snap and a shift is certainly a way to establish him as a back. What if the WR was on the line (8th man) covering the TE and everyone is set. I am saying the TE may still go in motion from the line as long as he was in a 2 point stance (may still shift) and is at least 5 yards behind the line at the snap. It could apply to a guard or tackle as well.

[Bob M.]

REPLY: dumbref...you're correct, and certainly not dumb.