Divisional Round Weekend '10

[KLHJ2]

They need to change the rule. Players cannot even accidentally touch the facemask without getting a 15 yard penalty. Where it should only be a penalty of that magnitude if the player grabs the facemask and either forcefully twists it or takes the player to the ground. An accidental touch should not be penalized at all. Many times if a pass rusher is going for the ball in the QB's hand he can end up with and accidental hand to the face mask. Essentially they are penalizing the defensive player for trying to make a play and in this case rewarded the QB for a bad play.

[ArtMonkDrillz]

Originally Posted by Angry

They need to change the rule. Players cannot even accidentally touch the facemask without getting a 15 yard penalty. Where it should only be a penalty of that magnitude if the player grabs the facemask and either forcefully twists it or takes the player to the ground. An accidental touch should not be penalized at all. Many times if a pass rusher is going for the ball in the QB's hand he can end up with and accidental hand to the face mask. Essentially they are penalizing the defensive player for trying to make a play and in this case rewarded the QB for a bad play.

I think that actually is the rule now that they got rid of the 5yrd penalty. The problem is that they just don't seem to apply it correctly, especially in regards to the QB. I guess the main thing is to just try to keep your hands away from the QB's face, which is obviously tough when you're trying to block a pass.

All that said, I agree with you that they probably shouldn't call it if it doesn't affect the play. They just need to use better judgment.