Facemask on offense philosophy

[scrounge]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

A lot of people think that these calls should not be made on the defense or seem to be surprised when they happen.

Not sure there is a philsophy honestly other then most do not look at these fouls on offensive players. I have even called a couple of facemasks on a runner when they clearly grabbed the facemask only to get grief. I think officials either do not look for this or they do not have the heart to make a call even if the foul is mildly obvious to their eyes. And it does not help many of these are not going to easily show up on tape either.

Peace

Coincidentally, last night a running back for the Steelers got called for it. And it was a good call, not just a stiff arm but a grasp and pull of the defenders' face mask. Al and Chris even agreed with the call!