Ineligible Receiver Downfield

[Mike246]

For some reason I have a mental block with this rule, but the wording seems
a bit confusing:

"... a penalty that is called when a forward pass is thrown and an ineligible receiver is beyond the line of scrimmage without blocking an opponent at the time of the pass."


1. Ball is snapped and as the QB is dropping back, the left offensive tackle runs downfield. At seven or eight yards, he throws a block on the strong safety. The QB throws a pass to a flanker on the right side.

2. Ball is snapped. QB drops back. Left tackle drive blocks the defender over him and pushes him back four or five yards. The QB then throws a pass downfield.

Are both of these examples penalties?

[JRutledge]

Both are penalties, but not Ineligible down field. These sound more like OPI.

Peace

[Mike246]

So if the OT just ran downfield, an ineligible receiver downfield penalty would be called at the time the QB releases the ball?

I still don't get where the without blocking an opponent at the time of the pass comes in.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Mike246

So if the OT just ran downfield, an ineligible receiver downfield penalty would be called at the time the QB releases the ball?

I still don't get where the without blocking an opponent at the time of the pass comes in.

If he's just downfield and not blocking, he's an ineligible receiver downfield.

If he's downfield but within two yards of the NZ and he's blocking, it's nothing.

If he's downfield and blocking, he's an ineligible receiver downfield and it's offensive pass interference.

[Mike246]

Got it. Thank you.

[CT1]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

If he's downfield and blocking, he's an ineligible receiver downfield and it's offensive pass interference.

...if the pass is thrown in that direction.

[metroump]

And the pass crosses the LOS.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by CT1

...if the pass is thrown in that direction.

That is not required for OPI. I'd apply it as a standard if the ball were already in the air and the blocking began.

Don't forget that OPI restrictions begin on the snap and that blocking down field can be a signal to the defense that a running play is developing.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by CT1

...if the pass is thrown in that direction.

Not true. That applies to DPI, not OPI.

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by Mike246

So if the OT just ran downfield, an ineligible receiver downfield penalty would be called at the time the QB releases the ball?

I still don't get where the without blocking an opponent at the time of the pass comes in.

No.

7-5-12

Ineligible A players may not advance beyond the expanded neutral zone on a legal forward pass play before a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone is in flight. If B touches the pass in or behind the neutral zone, this restriction is terminated. An ineligible is not illegally downfield if, at the snap, he immediately contacts a B lineman and the contact does not continue beyond the expanded neutral zone.

[Mike246]

...before a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone is in flight.

Doesn't the NFL rule differ here in the case of screen passes? I.e., if a forward pass is thrown and it doesn't cross the LOS, a flag will be thrown if an ineligible lineman is past the ENZ.

In college ball, it isn't a penalty as long as the pass is completed behind the LOS. Here, it becomes
a penalty only when the forward pass crosses the neutral zone.

[JRutledge]

Yes the NFL rule is different, but most of us do not work that level to know for sure what the exact language is in their rule (And I am sure someone will look up the NFL rule and post it here).

Peace

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by Mike246

...before a legal forward pass that crosses the neutral zone is in flight.

Doesn't the NFL rule differ here in the case of screen passes? I.e., if a forward pass is thrown and it doesn't cross the LOS, a flag will be thrown if an ineligible lineman is past the ENZ.

In college ball, it isn't a penalty as long as the pass is completed behind the LOS. Here, it becomes
a penalty only when the forward pass crosses the neutral zone.

A great example of the reality that there are 3 separate and distinct Rules codes, that often contradict each other. What may be perfect for the goose, simple does not apply to the gander.