Another Inconsistent NFL Rule?

Years ago, I remember watching a snowy NFL game. It was the AFC Divisional playoff game where the New England Patriots hosted the Oakland Raiders. We all remember the aftermath of the call, immediately known as the “Tuck Rule” Although it may have been a correct call, it was considered by all to be not within the spirit of the rule (Including Tom Brady). Immediately Raider fans cited the ongoing belief that the NFL has a conspiracy against the Silver & Black. I can see the logic because it was a rule never used, but seemed to emerge at the worse possible time for the Raiders. Maybe it was just a bad coincidence. Who knows.

Thursday night’s game, when the Raiders visited the division rival San Diego Chargers, had another questionable rule emerge. Near the end of the first quarter, down 0-3, the Raiders moved in to San Diego territory. After their drive stalled, with Sebastian Janikowski not kicking at 100%, Coach Hugh Jackson opted to punt on 4th down. Not to much surprise, it was a fake, where punter Shane Lechler threw a 35 yard pass towards the endzone along the right sideline. As the pass was nearing receiver Jacoby Ford, he was bumped, unquestionably, by DB Quentin Jammer. An expected flag was thrown and both sides were ready for it to go from 4th down to 1st and goal for the Raiders. Not so fast.

After the referee huddle broke, Ed Hochuli announces that “Because the offense was lined up in punt formation, a pass interference penalty can’t be called.” Result: turnover on downs, Charger ball. What? No Pass interference? How can that be? I guess that was the rule, no matter how much we all disagree. That’s what the rulebook says. Let’s move on now.

Now, we move towards the end of the game, with the Raiders ahead by 7 in the fourth quarter. Their defense stopped the Chargers, forcing them to punt. A penalty flag was thrown and a typical holding penalty was called against Oakland. However, because it happened before the punt, it was a five yard, automatic first down type of penalty. The San Diego drive continues, but they end up punting soon after.

Five yards wasn’t enough to give the Chargers a first down, but it was an automatic first down. This happens all the time on a defense during the course of a game. Drives continue because the rule is protecting the offense. The rule gives a first down because the “hold” prevents a pass attempt from possibly developing, so the offense gets a first down. I see the logic in this rule.

What is confusing to me on these two plays is that, on one, San Diego was clearly punting with no intention of ever passing and they were given the benefit of “your receiver’s route was altered, so here’s a first down”. 3 Quarters earlier, the Raiders actually passed the ball, but did not get the benefit of the penalty “because they were in punt formation”. I need to look at the video again to see what formation the Chargers were in, in the fourth quarter! I think they were in the exact same formation.

That is more than inconsistent and really could have been the difference in the game. Sometimes, the refs need to follow the spirit of these rules and not the letter of the law. They’re getting paid $200,000+ each year, so why don’t we let them us their judgements and common sense a bit more?

The Tuck Rule & the Non Interference Rule are just two calls that are really against the spirit of the game. If only logic wrote the rule book…..


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *