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View Full Version : running into the punter rule question

sandiegojoe
12-24-2007, 11:40 AM
So I always see guys getting flagged for running into the punter or roughing the kicker while trying to block a punt (and failingto)

but the last couple blocked punts I've seen, the guy blocks the punt and then crashes into the punters foot and knocks him down. no flag.

so is it ok to crash into the punter if you successfully block the punt first?
fabie
12-24-2007, 11:46 AM
So I always see guys getting flagged for running into the punter or roughing the kicker while trying to block a punt (and failingto)

but the last couple blocked punts I've seen, the guy blocks the punt and then crashes into the punters foot and knocks him down. no flag.

so is it ok to crash into the punter if you successfully block the punt first?or it should be that the guy should kill the punter of get flag! :laugh::
esanton
12-24-2007, 12:15 PM
If you touch the ball you can kill the kicker :D
winorlose
12-24-2007, 12:19 PM
Yeah, if the player gets a piece of the ball it's not a foul.
Simaosabrosa
12-24-2007, 01:20 PM
What's the difference between a 5 yard running into the punter and a 15 yarder?
BrentJones84
12-24-2007, 02:25 PM
If you touch the ball you can kill the kicker :D

Pretty much. If can even get a finger to graze the ball, no foul, and the punter/kicker is dead meat.
BrentJones84
12-24-2007, 02:28 PM
What's the difference between a 5 yard running into the punter and a 15 yarder?

I believe the 15 yard variety is running into his kicking leg, and/or knocking him back wards, or other extreme (such as leading with helmet).

The 5 yards is for any other touching of the kicker.
Simaosabrosa
12-24-2007, 02:49 PM
I believe the 15 yard variety is running into his kicking leg, and/or knocking him back wards, or other extreme (such as leading with helmet).

The 5 yards is for any other touching of the kicker.

Oh because this year I believe the Niners got screwed twice on that call.
sandiegojoe
12-24-2007, 04:19 PM
gotcha, seemed kinda strange to me, cause they talk about the rule being there for the protection of the kicker because he's in a "defenseless" position. But as long as you touch the ball who cares?
NortyFiner
12-24-2007, 05:14 PM
Roughing the punter/passer is a lot like a slide tackle in soccer. If you're playing the ball, it's not a foul. It's also a lot like soccer in that the penalty is most often called for over-acting by the punter, instead of an actual foul...

A good example of a REAL roughing the punter happened yesterday in the BUF-NYG game. Feagles took a guy's helmet square on the inside of his left thigh after the ball was away. He came back later, but he definitely took a very painful looking hit.
BrentJones84
12-24-2007, 05:29 PM
gotcha, seemed kinda strange to me, cause they talk about the rule being there for the protection of the kicker because he's in a "defenseless" position. But as long as you touch the ball who cares?

I get your point, and I agree to an extent. It's a very nit picky rule, especially the way it's applied to games.

But I think it's similar to the concept that applies to DBs and WRs, in that both players have a right to the ball, and it's not pass interference if the DB makes a play on the ball itself rather than on the WR.

Also if a punt is blocked, the possession of the ball is no longer clear, and all bets are off, much like roughing the passer is longer in place once a ball has been intercepted, or rule that offensive linemen can't touch the ball does not apply once there has been a fumble.

I wouldn't mind seeing the rule modified though; I don't think incidental contact should be a flag.