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The NFL changed a rarerly applied rule Wednesday. It is rarely applied because the circumstances needed to apply it rarely happen. But it seems to be causing a lot of head scratching because of the wording. So, I figured I'd help. Here's the rule change:
• A direct snap from center that goes backward will now be treated as a fumble. Previously, it was ruled a false start.
Here's what it means:
Before this change, by rule, if the quarterback was under center and had a snap go through his legs and the ball was picked up behind the quarterback by another player, the play was dead and it was a false start penalty on the offense. The ball had to touch the QB.
Now, that situation will result in a fumble, whether it touches the QB or not.
In shotgun (which includes punts, field goals, and extra points), it is not considered a "direct snap," so that was and still is live no matter what.
It reminds me of playing pickup football when we would do this intentionally -- put the QB under center and have him spread his legs real far and have the center snap it to a RB standing behind him. Worked in sandlot football, but was illegal in the NFL (false start.....QB must touch it).
By the way, I think they changed the rule because it actually happened to the Bears last year against the Eagles. The ball went through Griese's legs and was picked up by Philly. But it was called a false start on the Bears and they kept possession and that drive actually changed the outcome of the game.
• A direct snap from center that goes backward will now be treated as a fumble. Previously, it was ruled a false start.
Here's what it means:
Before this change, by rule, if the quarterback was under center and had a snap go through his legs and the ball was picked up behind the quarterback by another player, the play was dead and it was a false start penalty on the offense. The ball had to touch the QB.
Now, that situation will result in a fumble, whether it touches the QB or not.
In shotgun (which includes punts, field goals, and extra points), it is not considered a "direct snap," so that was and still is live no matter what.
It reminds me of playing pickup football when we would do this intentionally -- put the QB under center and have him spread his legs real far and have the center snap it to a RB standing behind him. Worked in sandlot football, but was illegal in the NFL (false start.....QB must touch it).
By the way, I think they changed the rule because it actually happened to the Bears last year against the Eagles. The ball went through Griese's legs and was picked up by Philly. But it was called a false start on the Bears and they kept possession and that drive actually changed the outcome of the game.
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