The defense....
That appears to be accurate, based on what we know today. That being the case, the scenarios that, I think, need specific interpretation or clarification are:
Situation 11/10, 50. A11, 5 yards behind the NZ, takes a direct snap and looks for receivers downfield. Then:
a)
before A11 is able to throw a pass, B55 dives and contacts A11 at the knees, where A11 falls to the ground with the ball, or
b) just
before A11 releases a pass that A88 catches and runs out of bounds at the B-45, B55 dives and contacts A11 at the knees, or
c) just
after A11 releases a pass that A88 catches and runs out of bounds at the B-45, B55 dives and contacts A11 at the knees. (Note: The timing of this contact is such that, if above the waist and below the head, and not with the defender's helmet, would NOT be ruled roughing the passer).
Situation 21/10, 50. A11 receives a hand-to-hand snap, and, without stepping in any direction, looks to his left to throw a pass. Then;
a) just
after he releases a pass that A88 catches and runs out of bounds at the B-45, but
before the pass leaves the blocking zone, B55 (positioned within the blocking zone at the snap) dives and contacts A11 at the knees, or
b) just
after he releases a pass that A88 catches and runs out of bounds at the B-45, but
after the pass leaves the blocking zone, B55 (positioned within the blocking zone at the snap) dives and contacts A11 at the knees.
Please, Mr Redding, please address these scenarios.
Another that I think we already know the answer to, but is, nonetheless, troubling and problematic:
Situation 21/10, 50. At the snap from the left inbounds line, A59 is the snapper and middle lineman. After the snap, A59 and A66 lead blocking for ball-carrier A33. Near the right 9-yard mark, A59 blocks B22 at the knees. Simultaneously, B99 blocks A66 at the knees. A33 runs out of bounds at the right sideline at the B-45. B22 incurs a catastrophic career-ending knee injury.
Everybody seems to be hot and bothered about the marginally modified BBW rules for Team A, when, in fact, the dramatically changed BBW rules for Team B are the ones that need some interpretation plays from RR. The Team A changes boil down to everybody knowing (at a minimum) the number of their key. If a BBW occurs that isn't clearly legal, the covering official will need to throw his flag, and then, if he doesn't know, find out where the blocker came from. We may have a few wave-offs - that's OK and easy enough. But, how tough is it going to be if Rs have to judge low contact on a ball-carrier/passer, unless Rs are told that anything in question is a foul, and they'll get 100% support from their coordinators and commissioners?
I may be worrying about something that won't be an issue. But I don't think so.
