offensive holding

[JMN]

Don't know about the NFL, but if I'm the U on a game where B lineman slips and A lineman falls on top to keep him down, I 9 out of 10 times will probably not have a call. I will watch closely for any "aftermath" and I will caution A that holding a man down on the ground is holding, but I probably won't throw unless it directly affects the play or develops into something more serious (like a personal foul or UC).

The next play is a great time to remind all A players as they come to the line that laying on top of a B player is in fact technically holding, so don't do it! My guess is that most coaches don't know this rule, either.


The only time I might call this is if A weighs 350lbs and B tops the scales at 150lbs and I risk having to stop the game and call in the "Jaws of Life" to save the poor B kid!