Opinions on this play

[ajmc]

Originally Posted by APG

Interesting in that the call in the Washington/Eagles game was apparently graded as a correct call according to Mike Pereira, This is probably why you should only have your Vice President of Officiating making public statements on officiating and in particular specific calls/plays.

The rule to quote is is under roughing the passing provisions.

12-2-9

The Referee will be guided by the following principles:

f) A passer who is standing still or fading backward after the ball has left his hand is obviously out of the play and must not be unnecessarily contacted by an opponent through the end of the down or until the passer becomes a blocker, or a runner, or, in the event of a change of possession during the down, until he assumes a distinctly defensive position.

This PARTICULAR play was clearly a "bang-bang" (could go either way) play, but considering the "principles" Referee's should consider, suggested; The pass was LONG completed, there was a change of possession (interception) and the passer was moving towards the defensive player who intercepted.

Although a passer rightfully deserves additional protection, due to his vulnerability in passing, when he chooses to pursue a play, with an opponent in possession of a live ball, he ASSUMES the same risks, and consequences, ALL pursuing players accept.