NFL rules questions

[APG]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

"An official shall declare dead ball and the down ended...[w]hen a runner is contacted by a defensive player and he touches the ground with any part of his body except his hands or feet...."

"A player is in possession when he is in firm grip and control of the ball inbounds."

"The runner is an offensive player who is in possession of a live ball."

So the only issue is whether the player holding the ball for a place kick is in firm grip and control of the ball, or whether the ball is considered loose at the time. I think it's in player possession and therefore would be dead under the conditions described.

I don't know how a player pinning the ball, with one finger, to the ground, equals a player having a firm grip of the ball.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by APG

I don't know how a player pinning the ball, with one finger, to the ground, equals a player having a firm grip of the ball.

FWIW, in NCAA and Fed this would be considered possession as there are explicit exceptions allowing the holder to have his knee on the ground and not be down.