PatsFaninAZ
In the Starting Line-Up
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Sorry if this has already been covered, but did anyone notice that the officials went to hockey-style substitution rules in the second half?
As I understand the rule, if the offense runs in a late sub, it must give the defense a chance to counter, and the defense is immune from a too-many-men penalty. Moreover, the officials may, at their discretion, warn the offense at the possible penalty of delay of game if they try it again.
Those rules generally only apply, however, if the offense substitutes. If the offense keeps its same personnel on the field, the defense just has to either keep its personnel on the field or risk a too-many-men penalty. At least that's my understanding.
What the officials did today in the second half, however, was hold the ball before setting it -- even after they wound the play clock -- and let the offense sub and the defense counter. They gave them a very short period of time, but they would basically point to each sideline and allow subbing and counter-subbing without allowing an immediate snap. This was clearly done in response to the gamesmanship on both sides in the first half, and neither coach acted upset, so either the coaches agreed or the refs decided and told the coaches before the half started that's what was going to happen. But it was interesting. I didn't know the officials had that discretion.
Kudos, by the way, for a very very tight crew today in a game that was as hard to officiate as any so far in the playoffs, particularly in the first half.
As I understand the rule, if the offense runs in a late sub, it must give the defense a chance to counter, and the defense is immune from a too-many-men penalty. Moreover, the officials may, at their discretion, warn the offense at the possible penalty of delay of game if they try it again.
Those rules generally only apply, however, if the offense substitutes. If the offense keeps its same personnel on the field, the defense just has to either keep its personnel on the field or risk a too-many-men penalty. At least that's my understanding.
What the officials did today in the second half, however, was hold the ball before setting it -- even after they wound the play clock -- and let the offense sub and the defense counter. They gave them a very short period of time, but they would basically point to each sideline and allow subbing and counter-subbing without allowing an immediate snap. This was clearly done in response to the gamesmanship on both sides in the first half, and neither coach acted upset, so either the coaches agreed or the refs decided and told the coaches before the half started that's what was going to happen. But it was interesting. I didn't know the officials had that discretion.
Kudos, by the way, for a very very tight crew today in a game that was as hard to officiate as any so far in the playoffs, particularly in the first half.
