Blocked Kick?

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by AllPurposeGamer

NFL Case Book (2011)

A.R. 12.108 GOAL TENDING

Fourth-and-10 on B30. On an attempted field goal by A2 from the B37, B3 stands under the goal post and jumps above the crossbar and deflects (or catches) the kick so that it does not cross the crossbar, for what would have been, a successful field goal.
Ruling: Option for Team A: Three points awarded to Team A and Kickoff A35; or first-and-10 on B15. Palpably unfair act. (12-3-1-s)
NOTE: If the field goal had been successful despite B3’s action, there would be no foul.

This implies that it was obvious that the FGA would be successful. In the OP, it says "almost long enough" which means that the attempt is not successful. I think Hester (or anyone else) can jump up and grab it in order to return the miss.

[APG]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

This implies that it was obvious that the FGA would be successful. In the OP, it says "almost long enough" which means that the attempt is not successful. I think Hester (or anyone else) can jump up and grab it in order to return the miss.

Here's the actual wording of the rule:

Rule 12, Section 3 Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Article 1 There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct. This applies to any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship. Such acts specifically include, among others:

GOAL TENDING
(s) Goal-tending by a defensive player leaping up to deflect a kick as it passes above the crossbar of a goalpost is prohibited. The Referee could award three points for a palpably unfair act (12-3-3).

"Almost long enough" sounds like it would be below the crossbar and thus he Hester could do as he pleases.

[PSU213]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

This implies that it was obvious that the FGA would be successful. In the OP, it says "almost long enough" which means that the attempt is not successful. I think Hester (or anyone else) can jump up and grab it in order to return the miss.

The FG hit the cross bar, so if Hester "blocked" it, I don't think it would have been seen as obviously short. Either way the color man (Simms) said it would have been legal.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by PSU213

The FG hit the cross bar, so if Hester "blocked" it, I don't think it would have been seen as obviously short. Either way the color man (Simms) said it would have been legal.

Simms later retracted that comment and said it was not "legal" in the since that a FG could be awarded.

Peace