Fishing in my Pond

[jTheUmp]

IMHO, cross-field mechanics work best if we've got a "runner ends up way out of bounds" situation or if there's a big pileup at the sideline such that the wing on that sideline can't get to the forward progress spot in a timely fashion.

Neither of those seem to be in play in this situation.

When you discussed the play with your LJ, it's probably best never to use the words "stay out of my area whether I am right or wrong"; that kind of language will make almost anyone defensive, especially because it sounds as if you're getting defensive when you say it in the first place.

Instead, discuss it as a "I saw the runner break free from the tackle, that's why I marked the spot where I did"... it's possible that the LJ, in his effort to keep the "forward progress spot", stopped looking at the runner and never saw him break free.