Originally posted by 4ML:This. Kaep was running...Brees wasn't. Though it was a bad call on the Brees hit...there is no conspiracy. lol
I agree with the first half and end of your statement, but not the middle.
Originally posted by hondakillerzx:drew brees neck looked like it stretched a foot when he got hit lol
Maybe he'll be able to see over the offensive line now!
Originally posted by Kauaiguy:It's really a shame when a referee's call or non call has a major impact on the outcome of the game.
I agree. I couldn't believe they picked up the flag tonight on the Panthers on that final play where Gronkowski got bear-hugged from coming back to the ball.
Originally posted by solidg2000:Defenseless player has nothing to do with that rule
You can't wrap around anyone's neck.
And a QB isn't defenseless, the only people who are "defenseless" are receivers who are going for the pass and get killed
RB's and WR's get taken down by their head/neck all the time actually, but a penalty won't be called because they are established runners; that is, unless they are also being taken down by their facemask or the horse collar.
As for the "defenseless player" deal, here's the rule from the rulebook...
"Article 7: Players in a Defenseless Posture. It is a foul if a player initiates unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture.
(a) Players in a defenseless posture are:
(1) A player in the act of or just after throwing a pass;
(b) Prohibited contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture is:
(1) Forcibly hitting the defenseless player's head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder, even if the initial contact of the defender's helmet or facemask is lower than the passer's neck, and regardless of whether the defensive player also uses his arms to tackle the defenseless player by encircling or grasping him; or
Note 2: A player who initiates contact against a defenseless opponent is responsible for avoiding an illegal act. This includes illegal contact that may occur during the process of attempting to dislodge the ball from an opponent. A standard of strict liability applies for any contact against a defenseless opponent, even if the opponent is an airborne player who is returning to the ground or whose body position is otherwise in motion, and irrespective of any acts by the defenseless opponent, such as ducking his head or curling up his body in anticipation of contact."
[ Edited by IronSaint on Nov 19, 2013 at 12:46 AM ]