football rules question

**David** · 10-09-05, 11:17 PM

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**darkghost** · 10-10-05, 12:35 AM

What were they talking about in the Jax/Cincy game about the receiving team running a play off a punt return? Anybody catch that?

Also, isn't there a rule where the receiving team off a kick return or punt can make a legal forward pass? Anybody or am I delusional from watching too many games?

**Razz** · 10-10-05, 02:36 AM

When the other team punts, and you call a fair catch at, say, midfield, you can opt to take a free kick (other team cannot rush) that would count as a field goal. For some reason teams never do this, when IMO they could capitalize on this odd rule. If you watch kickers in warmups, almost all can make from 50-55 when they have plenty of time. Some (such as Josh Scobee, Jags' kicker - I guess that is why they were mentioning it) can make from 60-65 yards routinely.

You can't throw a forward pass on any play except a pass play from scrimmage.

**Ganchrow** · 10-10-05, 02:50 AM

In fact, a fair catch kick was attempted yesterday by the Titans against the Texans.

It failed.

**darkghost** · 10-10-05, 02:52 AM

IC... thanks for the info.

You're right I don't see why teams don't use this rule more often. I'm sure it wouldn't be a common situation but when u have a team backed up in their endzone w/ very few secs left on the game clock, it'd be worth taking a shot.

**bubba** · 10-10-05, 08:59 AM

2. Intentional grounding will be called when a passer, facing an imminent loss of yardage due to pressure from the defense, throws a forward pass without a realistic chance of completion.

so i guess anytime a qb is near the line of scrimmage, intentional grounding can tbe called cause there wouldnt be a loss of yardage.

**pags11** · 10-10-05, 03:33 PM

good thread, another rule worth noting is first touching on punt coverage...if a member of the punt team touches the ball first, two things can happen...the punt returner can pick it up, return it, and if he fumbles or gets negative yardage, the team can choose to take the ball where it was "first touched"...also, if a player downs the ball by touching it, the offense can also choose to have a free kick (at the end of the half or something with a FGA)...