Ineligible Downfield penalty spot vs illegal Touching by Ineligible..

[Derek Teigen]

I am in the rule book on page 65 table 7-5.  Why is their a difference in the penalty enforcement spots for ineligible downfield (previous spot) vs illegal touching by ineligible ( basic spot)?

[CalhounLJ]

Because illegal touching can happen either beyond or behind the basic spot. Basic spot is previous spot, so if it's touched beyond that, we go back to the basic spot, which is previous spot. If it's touched behind the basic spot, it becomes a spot foul. All-but-one.
Ineligible downfield can only happen during a loose-ball-play. It will always be enforced from the basic spot, which is the previous spot.

[SCHSref]

NVM

[Derek Teigen]

thanks Calhoun.    Am I correct then that if a covered receiver touches or catches a forward pass behind the los that the penalty would be enforced from where the player caught the ball?  Same for linemen who might catch a ball behind the LOS?  And on that point?  If the forward pass is deflected by the defense an offensive lineman can catch the ball and run with it, correct?
thank you,

[SCHSref]

thanks Calhoun.    Am I correct then that if a covered receiver touches or catches a forward pass behind the los that the penalty would be enforced from where the player caught the ball?  Same for linemen who might catch a ball behind the LOS?  And on that point?  If the forward pass is deflected by the defense an offensive lineman can catch the ball and run with it, correct?
thank you,

Yes and Yes and Yes

[CalhounLJ]

all that is correct

[Derek Teigen]

ok thanks Calhoun and SCHSref.  Appreciate it.

[bossman72]

thanks Calhoun.    Am I correct then that if a covered receiver touches or catches a forward pass behind the los that the penalty would be enforced from where the player caught the ball?  Same for linemen who might catch a ball behind the LOS?  And on that point?  If the forward pass is deflected by the defense an offensive lineman can catch the ball and run with it, correct?
thank you,

Also note that if a lineman commits illegal touching, and there are no eligible receivers in the area, you can also have intentional grounding.  This is probably a big yardage difference between the two fouls, so be sure to note if you have eligibles around when a lineman catches the pass.

[Derek Teigen]

thanks Bossman.  That's good stuff.