In the grasp
 

After the Falcons QB got sacked for the safety, reading the coach's lips he seemed to be saying something to the effect, "There's no such effing thing as in the grasp when......" Is this just an NFL rule? Are there circumstances when "in the grasp" is not in effect? Or is this just something common to all sports, a coach whining because his team is getting beat? Thanks

If the QB is grabbed and will obviously not pull away, the R is going to kill the play to prevent injury.

Years ago, the rule was that the R would kill the play as soon as he was in the grasp. The rule was changed to be less restrictive.

Matt Ryan was in the grasp and under control, no question.

The NFL network's official review talked about this, Peirra said that it was more of a safety issue, as another player was taking aim about to lay a hit. And actually ALL levels of football have this rule, we just call it forward progress.

I believe they are different. You could have a grasp and control situation where the forward progress has not been stopped.

"The Referee must blow the play dead as soon as the passer is clearly in the grasp and control of any tackler behind the line, and the passer’s safety is in jeopardy"