Rulebook question: Cribbs muffed punt

[Fencer]

The rule does not limit in any way the defenses right to go after the ball, it just limits their right to interfere with interference with his opportunity to make the catch, which clearly was not something that happened on this play. The rule is there so you do not hit a fair catcher if he bobbles.

Either:

1. You think that the defense has an equal right to the ball, ala' the case of pass defense/pass interference or ...

2. ... you were being a bit sloppy in your reasoning.

It's #1, isn't it?

 

[Ring 6]

Either:

1. You think that the defense has an equal right to the ball, ala' the case of pass defense/pass interference or ...

2. ... you were being a bit sloppy in your reasoning.

It's #1, isn't it?

The rule states that they may not interfere with his right to make the catch. It does not say they cannot touch the ball until it hits the ground, or in this case, catch it when it ricochets into their arms.
Fleming was not interfering with Cribbs catching the punt, he was catching the ball that bounced off his face.

 

[Fencer]

The rule states that they may not interfere with his right to make the catch. It does not say they cannot touch the ball until it hits the ground, or in this case, catch it when it ricochets into their arms.
Fleming was not interfering with Cribbs catching the punt, he was catching the ball that bounced off his face.

Do the pass interference rules use similar language, or are they more explicit about the defender's right to go for the ball?

 

[Ring 6]

Do the pass interference rules use similar language, or are they more explicit about the defender's right to go for the ball?

They are totally different. The defense can intercept a pass, or you know, defend it.
You cannot defend a fair catch or intercept a punt (well you can but that makes it a dead ball and you don't get possession) but you can recover a fumble.

 

[Fencer]

They are totally different. The defense can intercept a pass, or you know, defend it.
You cannot defend a fair catch or intercept a punt (well you can but that makes it a dead ball and you don't get possession) but you can recover a fumble.

In other words, you don't know whether you're interpreting the rulebook correctly. I don't know either.

 

[Ring 6]

In other words, you don't know whether you're interpreting the rulebook correctly. I don't know either.

No. I know I can read the rule and understand it correctly. Catching a ricochet off a fair catching punt returner is not interfering with his ability to catch the ball.

 

[fourhour]

Still confused............