Defensive Pass Interference

[phansen]

Originally Posted by LDUB

Pass interference restrictions on the defense begin when the pass is thrown. Before that B can legally contact eligible A receivers if they are potential blockers. One the A player is even with the B player or moving away, B may no longer block him. The foul would be illegal use of hands.

Once the pass is in the air B cannot interfere with A (for passes beyond the neutral zone). That does not mean that all contact is a foul.

My question is poorly worded. I'm particularily interested in the interval between the snap and the A player being in front of, or beside the defender. Not beyond the defender, or clearly into his pass route.

I agree with your statement that once the A player is even with the B player or moving away, B may no longer block him. Can you reference that from the rules book? or is that your opinion?