Off-side lineup qusetion

[Ed Hickland]

Originally Posted by Steve M

Softball umpire here, after several adult beverages so forgive me if I phrase somethin wworng.
Other than the fact that its was not called, whay was Ftzgerald not flagged for being offsides - or lining up in the neutral zone - on his tocuhdowm catch
in the last 2 minutes of the superbowl.
I realize that I'm showing my ignorance here, but what are the requirements of the offense - in the pro game - for the line of scrimmage?

thanks for your clarifications,

Through the magic of replay just watched that play. It is hard to tell from the camera angle whether Fitzgerald lined up in the neutral zone or not.

Not absolutely sure the NFL rules but more than likely players must not break the plane of the ball. If you look closely at the play NBC has an off angle on the line and the ball is shielded by a Pittburgh player and the linesman is shielded by the chain crew. Therefore, it is difficult to see if Fitzgerald's foot or helmet is in the neutral zone.

NFL officials and supervisors are great at noting tendencies in their pregame, so, if Fitzgerald tended to line up in the neutral zone the wings would know it and try to prevent the foul.

My answer is it is inconclusive but most of all what advantage did he gain if he was a blade or two of grass in the zone.

[Steve M]

Thanks, guys.
It was an off angle tv shot, I understood that.
And, while I agree no advantage was gained - is that really the standard in that game? If it is the standard, then this should not ever be called - yet I've seen it called a number of times.
I've noticed that many times a wide receiver will check with the official on the line to verify he's in a good position - I did not see that happen on this particular play. It may well have occurred.
And, in reading my original post, it's kinda obvious I'd had more than a few - so my eyes shouldn't have been trusted too much.