Punt return question.

[OpIv37]

When the returner isn't going to catch a punt inside the 10 or 15 yard line, why don't they ever try to block one of the gunners to try to prevent them from downing the ball before it goes into the endzone? is there a rule prohibiting this?

Obviously there are times when it's stupid for the receiving team to try to play the ball, and they don't always have an opportunity to hit someone depending on where the ball is headed and the angle the would-be tacklers take. But I've seen plenty of times when the returner could easily put a body on someone to prevent them from making a play.

[JD]

I dont think theres a rule, just lazy players that just dont give a *** cuz their on ST, not offense ..

[Philagape]

3. A player who signals for a fair catch is not required to catch the ball. However, if a player signals for a fair catch, he may not block or initiate contact with any player on the kicking team until the ball touches a player. Penalty: snap 15 yards behind spot of foul.

http://www.nfl.com/news/rulesdigest.html

[OpIv37]

3. A player who signals for a fair catch is not required to catch the ball. However, if a player signals for a fair catch, he may not block or initiate contact with any player on the kicking team until the ball touches a player. Penalty: snap 15 yards behind spot of foul.

http://www.nfl.com/news/rulesdigest.html

but that means if they DON'T signal fair catch, they can still initiate contact.

[Philagape]

:idunno: Here's a similar situation ... if there's a fumble, isn't it illegal to obstruct opponents from recovering the ball? I think it's legal only if you're going for the ball.

[OpIv37]

:idunno: Here's a similar situation ... if there's a fumble, isn't it illegal to obstruct opponents from recovering the ball? I think it's legal only if you're going for the ball.

strange rule- seems like the NFL wants to prohibit blocking in situations where both teams have a right to go for the ball

[LtBillsFan66]

Priority #1 is to get away from the ball so it doesn't bounce and hit you.

[Philagape]

strange rule- seems like the NFL wants to prohibit blocking in situations where both teams have a right to go for the ball

If both teams have a right, that's why it's illegal to block or interfere. Same principle as pass interference.

[OpIv37]

Priority #1 is to get away from the ball so it doesn't bounce and hit you.

I understand that, but a returner should be able to gauge when the ball is going to bounce 10 yards behind them and it won't be a problem.

[Dr. Lecter]

If a returner tries to block the gunner he will no longer be in control of his body. Add to that the unpredictable nature of how a ball will bounce and it becomes a pretty big risk.

[Ingtar33]

the reason returner's signal for fair catch is because, as long as the returner is within an area, judged "reasonable" for catching the kick, the kicking team cannot touch the football, UNTILL it hits the ground.

Most returners, will stand under where the ball will land, signal fair catch, then run forward, hoping to clear the area just SLOW enough that he will remain close enough to the landing spot to prevent the kicking team from catching (or touching) the football (before it lands), and far enough he's not in danger of being hit by the bouncing ball.

Of course if he's nowhere close to the landing football, the kicking team is free to field the ball. It's one of those little hidden mistakes most fans don't spot when the kicking team downs the punt on the 5 yard line, after fielding the punt. In most cases the above occurs, the returner signaled for a fair catch but probably was no where near where the ball landed... and as a result probably gets yelled at on the sidelines while the tv crew crows about the fantastic special teams play, that probably wouldn't have happened had the receiving team not screwed up.