I'm seeing more and more LB's ball up their fists in order to punch at the football in order to cause a fumble. I saw it again on MNF when the Saint TE fumbled during the 2nd half. KJ Wright curled up his hand into a fist and punched at the ball. But because of the way the TE was falling, Wright completely whiffed.
My questions deals with whether or not we'd be looking at a personal foul if the LB misses the ball and punches the ball carrier in the stomach (or a different set of balls)? I mean...it has to be, right? They're literally throwing punches.