Quote
9er8er
What you added was the definition of a "defenseless player" as it pertains to the rule.
And the definitions is, of course intentionally ambiguous so that refs can call it however the league office wants them to call it. They operative and abiguious word in the whole thing is "unnecessary."
"It is a foul if a player initiates unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture."
But of course, when a defender is attempting to separate the receiver from the ball, that contact IS necessary. Just the way it was when the 49ers' DB leveled a "defenseless" Thomas on the 'was it or wasn't it a catch" play. But of course, the refs don't call that kind of play a penalty because it's not what gets the NFL lawyers nervous.
Best,
Laram
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/01/2018 12:00PM by laram.