As a kid, I never questioned how Santa was able to deliver presents on Christmas as we didn't have a fireplace.
As a Pats fan, I didn't question the infamous "tuck rule" of yesteryear or the "touchback rule" of yesterday. As an official, I did.
IMHO, I understand that the pylon is OOB in the end zone. I understand that a loose ball touching a player that is OOB is OOB by rule. I understand that a ball in PLAYER POSSESSION is dead and a TD once it breaks the goal line plane. The ball appeared loose prior to that, but appeared to be in contact with the runner. SO.....
When the player touched the pylon, the ball wasn't in possession of the runner BUT WAS TOUCHING HIM. Wouldn't that make the ball dead at that point and OOB in THE FIELD OF PLAY a few inches from the goal line.
I don't claim to be astute on NFL rules, but I think some of you guys are
.
Early bird quiz (NFHS rules)......
(1) LOS K's5, Hans punting from his own end zone. Bubba breaks through and blocks Hans's airborne punt it bounces back through and out of A's end zone.
YOU MAKE THE CALL....
(2) LOS K's 5, Hans punting from his own end zone. With a big rush on, Hans gets his kick off. It is short and high. Scooter, R's return man, is racing in and signaling for a fair catch at A's 15. The airborne kick sails through Scooter's hands and bounces off his knee before touching the ground. The ball then bounces back thru and out of K's end zone.
YOU MAKE THE CALL.....
HELPFUL HINT : A loose ball bouncing OOB in either end zone is either a touchback or safety.