2010 Season Week 5 Clips
Fake FG Play Although the commentators highlight the play clock on this play, that appears to have been handled properly with the ball snapped as the clock ran out. (The real play clock on the field is in the background and may not be the same as the network's play clock embedded in the foreground). Another facet of the play are the actions of the Team A receivers who are on the right side of the formation. As eligible receivers at the snap, what limitations are placed on them as they move off the line of scrimmage? Are their actions acceptable or OPI? Who would be keying on these receivers in this situation?
Instant Replay on a Punt Play Contrary to the thoughts (and hopes) of the stadium crowd, instant replay cannot be used to judge whether or not a player was blocked into another player. It can be used to determine touching of the ball. Difficult call for the covering officials who must determine if the action of the blocker caused the blockee to crash into the returner or whether he did so on his own.
DPI OPI ? It is possible to have OPI and DPI on the same play and even between the same 2 players. Is that what actually occurred on this play?
Receiver Out of Bounds Before Touching Pass An eligible Team A receiver who goes out of bounds during a down cannot touch a legal forward pass in the field of play unless it has been touched by an opponent or an official (7-3-4). There is an exception when the eligible receiver attempts to return inbounds immediately after going out of bounds "due to contact" by an opponent. When the receiver goes out of bounds, the covering official will drop his hat. Did this receiver go out of bounds "due to contact" by an opponent? Some say any contact at the sideline is enough to warrant invoking the exception while others say the receiver should not be allowed to initiate contact that would result in the exception being invoked.
High Hit - Wave Off Appears to be good crew communications to "get it right". "Targeting" or high hits on "defenseless players" and "targeting with the helmet" continue to be somewhat misunderstood by players, coaches, fans, and officials. A player moving to make a tackle is not a "defenseless player" and does not receive protection from all high hits. "Targeting with the helmet" implies the hitter is using his helmet against the opponent (regardless of whether he targets high or low and regardless of whether the targeted player is, or is not, defenseless). No player can be targeted with a helmet. Some players (non-defenseless players) can be hit high (without the use of the helmet) and there will be no foul assuming the hit is not a striking action using the hitter's hand, forearm, elbow, or knee.