Ineligible Receiver Downfield

[SWC75]

Kirk Herbstreit just complained that with all these offesne featuring run-pass options, he sees a lot of passes thrown with ineligible receivers downfield and it isn't being called.

I've always wondered about that penalty. What's wrong with having an ineligible receiver downfield so long as you don't pass to him? Do we really want to negate a pass play when there was an option to run because blockers were preparing to block fo a running play?

 

[dollarbill44]

Kirk Herbstreit just complained that with all these offesne featuring run-pass options, he sees a lot of passes thrown with ineligible receivers downfield and it isn't being called.

I've always wondered about that penalty. What's wrong with having an ineligible receiver downfield so long as you don't pass to him? Do we really want to negate a pass play when there was an option to run because blockers were preparing to block fo a running play?

I can see your point, but if it wasn't illegal, you could use it deceptively. For example, replace a tackle with a covered tight end. If he goes out for a pass, someone is going to cover him because they may not be aware that he is ineligible. So, the defense has one less guy with which to cover the eligible receivers.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

I can see your point, but if it wasn't illegal, you could use it deceptively. For example, replace a tackle with a covered tight end. If he goes out for a pass, someone is going to cover him because they may not be aware that he is ineligible. So, the defense has one less guy with which to cover the eligible receivers.

I don't see any problem with that.

 

[kuethstheman]

It would be too hard to tell who you should cover. Chaos would ensue.

 

[Crusty]

It is allowed on screen passes.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

It would be too hard to tell who you should cover. Chaos would ensue.

I don't see any problem with that.

 

[dollarbill44]

I don't see any problem with that.

Then why not just make everyone an eligible receiver?

 

[SWC75]

Chaos can be good.

 

[upperdeck]

its not allowed on any passes. its allowed if the ball is not thrown past the line of scrimmage which many times on these bubble/tunnel screens they are and its just not called.