Any idea why the NFL stops the clock on a sack?

[Texas Aggie]

Now the clock is not stopped on sacks during the last two minutes of each half.

It was stopped yesterday in the last minute of the Dallas Philly game. Rule might have been changed again.

Thing is, the reasoning is inconsistent. Same play, no sack, but safety valve dump off to back who is immediately stuffed. Clock keeps on running and receivers are likely farther downfield. Oh, well.

[APG]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

It was stopped yesterday in the last minute of the Dallas Philly game. Rule might have been changed again.

Thing is, the reasoning is inconsistent. Same play, no sack, but safety valve dump off to back who is immediately stuffed. Clock keeps on running and receivers are likely farther downfield. Oh, well.

The rule hasn't changed...looking at my copy of the rule book, it is still that way.

Perhaps the player who was tackled wasn't the player who originally receieved the snap? Cause the rule only applies to a player who receives the snap.

[bisonlj]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

It was stopped yesterday in the last minute of the Dallas Philly game. Rule might have been changed again.

Thing is, the reasoning is inconsistent. Same play, no sack, but safety valve dump off to back who is immediately stuffed. Clock keeps on running and receivers are likely farther downfield. Oh, well.

Must have been an error or there was some other reason the clock was stopped (i.e. penalty, injury, time out request). I've noticed they don't stop it if the sack is within the last 2 minutes of a half. I guess they don't want to the offensive team to benefit from a good defensive play when time is of the essence.

[APG]

Originally Posted by bisonlj

Must have been an error or there was some other reason the clock was stopped (i.e. penalty, injury, time out request). I've noticed they don't stop it if the sack is within the last 2 minutes of a half. I guess they don't want to the offensive team to benefit from a good defensive play when time is of the essence.

The exact rule as written:

Rule 4
Section 4 Stopping The Game Clock

The game clock operator shall stop the game clock (timeout) upon a signal by any official or upon his own positive knowledge:

(g) when the player who originally takes the snap is tackled behind the line of scrimmage

Exception: After the two-minute warning of a half, the game clock shall not be stopped.

A.R. 4.6 Quarterback A1 drops back to pass and is tackled behind the line.
Ruling: Stop the game clock until the ball can be respotted at succeeding spot (40-second play clock starts when the timeout signal is given).

[football-1]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

It was stopped yesterday in the last minute of the Dallas Philly game. Rule might have been changed again.

Play
Sack Eagles QB -> Eagles took time out