xmarkd400x

I always thought it was against the rules for an offensive player to hold up, push forward, or otherwise assist a player on their team with the ball. While watching the playoffs this weekend, I saw a few instances that I thought would fall under the "assisting the runner" category.

I don't remember the teams, but I was wondering if other people noticed the same thing.

• Off-Tackle run (or screen pass?) to the right side. A blocker grabbed the runner by the jersey, preventing him from falling. The runner gained additional yardage because of this.
• Goal line QB sneak (Eli Manning?) -- The QB ran up the middle and did not have it initially. The running back behind him pushed him into the end zone.

NEGoldenAge

I have never heard of this rule. I see this in just about every football game I've ever watched and never seen it called. The only rule I know of that comes even close to this is that, in the kicking game, you can not vault a player into the air for a block.

primetime

It's a rule. It's illegal. It's never called.

The most blatant example I can think of was when Reggie Bush tackled Matt Leinart into the end zone on a QB sneak a few years ago to give USC a last second victory over Notre Dame.

Krazy Koz

I believe it is a rule in college, but not in the NFL. I know plenty of Notre Dame fans that were pissed about that play with Bush and Leinart.

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PatriotsReign

NO, it's definately a rule in the NFL. It has been for decades, but I can't remember ever seeing it called. A running back should have to make all progress on his own, that just makes common sense.

dryheat44

Yep. I've seen it called twice in my life on running plays, none in the last 15 years. How pissed would the players/coaches be if they were the ones to finally get flagged on what has become a routine play? I think you would probably have to pick up a guy and toss him forward to get that penalty called today.

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TedyB54

That's likely pretty accurate. With all the "pushing of the pile" that goes on when the ball carrier is upright, there's really no way you could flag a team for "assisting the runner".

However, if someone was in an open field after a pick or fumble recovery and fell down on their own because they lost their balance or slipped on snow, at that point I don't think another player can come along and help them get up.

That's when you might see the penalty called.

PatsDparty

I had wondered about this rule myself, after seeing it the USC ND game but never called in the NFL. Also, did anyone know about the rule where if you punt the ball at the end of a half, with no time left, if you fair catch it, you get a free quick. Heard it during the Redskins Seahawks game, and never knew about it.

Amnorix

They should send around a warning, then enforce it, starting next year. These scrums are getting ridiculous. All these guys piling on and turning what should be a 4 yarder into a first down, etc. That's not NFL football, or at least it shouldn't be, IMHO.

primetime

Not to mention it's dangerous for the runner, whose kidneys and other soft parts become exposed to helmets... from both sides.