Carolina vs New England last play

[Rich]

Originally Posted by hbk314

Did you have restriction on this play?

Holding is not on the table since a pass was in the air. It's DPI or it's NOTHING.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Rich

Holding is not on the table since a pass was in the air. It's DPI or it's NOTHING.

The question is, without the interception, would you have called DPI?

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Adam

The question is, without the interception, would you have called DPI?

I don't think an interception is required. That second defender could've dropped that pass and I would've passed, as well.

Without that defender in front? No brainer DPI. The BJ's flag was proper absent the second defender in the way.

[hbk314]

Originally Posted by Rich

I don't think an interception is required. That second defender could've dropped that pass and I would've passed, as well.

Without that defender in front? No brainer DPI. The BJ's flag was proper absent the second defender in the way.

Thank you for answering. I know it's DPI or nothing.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Rich

I don't think an interception is required. That second defender could've dropped that pass and I would've passed, as well.

Without that defender in front? No brainer DPI. The BJ's flag was proper absent the second defender in the way.

Sorry, you're right. The direction was "intercepted or knocked down". Presumably, if the ball had been tipped into the air back towards Gronk and company, the DPI would have stood.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Adam

Sorry, you're right. The direction was "intercepted or knocked down". Presumably, if the ball had been tipped into the air back towards Gronk and company, the DPI would have stood.

No, I don't think so.

[hbk314]

Originally Posted by Rich

No, I don't think so.

I would agree. I'd imagine that it would be treated the same as a ball tipped at the line unless the defender completely missed the ball.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by hbk314

I would agree. I'd imagine that it would be treated the same as a ball tipped at the line unless the defender completely missed the ball.

Seriously? Are not time considerations involved?

If a ball is tipped at the line, the interval in which pass interference could be called would be infinitesimal or nonexistent, especially in NCAA or Fed where the restriction on either team exists only if the ball passed the neutral zone. Since interference is immaterial once the ball is touched, that leaves very little time.

OTOH, if the ball has traveled a considerable distance downfield, interference is taken off the table late, and if a spot of possible interference is close to where the ball was touched, then unless it pops high into the air, there will be only a short interval in which players of either side going for the ball can be interfered with legally by contact with opponents.