Targeting-Defenseless Player Video Review
Posted: 8/28/2014
On this video, a review of two plays with one targeting and one defenseless player. Click HERE to watch the video.
Targeting
You will notice the defensive players arm lifts the offensive players arm and the hit is initiated in the arm pit. This is not targeting since it appears that the initial hit was at the shoulder.
Defenseless
A legal block and it wasn't a hit to the helmet which is the only rule reference to defenseless player in 9-4-3-i3. If the hit would have occurred above the shoulders they could have called several different fouls. And it would be expected. In this case you have a defense player chasing down a quarterback – he is clearly “in the play” and should expect to be blocked (legally) which occurs. No foul. The reasons it is not a defenseless player foul: legal block, part of the play, and not in the helmet. Defenseless player is illegal contact to the helmet. The possible foul: unnecessary roughness. To determine foul or not: ask the question of is the hit necessary. If not part of the play, flag it. But this is a legal block that allowed the receiver to advance and was in the play. It is not considered unnecessary Had it occurred away from the receiver's route: unnecessary roughness.
