(Didn't see a thread devoted to this. Sorry if there was) One of the weirdest plays of the game for me was Woodson's Illegal Contact penalty on Marshall in the closing seconds of regulation. This was a play where the penalized team gained a clear advantage by committing the foul. It was only a 5 yard penalty, instead of pass interference, which may have given the Dolphins a chance for a game-winning FG. Not sure if it was Woodson's intention, but it was a smart play that effectively sent the game to overtime. It's almost like fouling someone at the end of the game in basketball when you're up by 3 points, giving them only two free throws. However, I wonder if this rule might be revised in the last two minutes of a game to prevent teams from intentionally doing this. Maybe you make it a 15 yard penalty in the last two minutes?
Two words: Ed Hochuli. The ball wasn't thrown to Marshall so I get it. And yeah, it seems like teams would do this toward the end of close games, although if there's more time on the clock there's no way they even try it (strategically). Gotta say though, and not a knock on Henne, but a really smart QB throws it right at the spot of the foul as soon as he sees that happen.
It did turn out to be a pretty smart thing to do though I'm not entirely sure it was intentional. If so, that's some damn good coaching they have in their defensive secondary over in Green Bay. Miami had 10 seconds to try and clear 20 yards and get out of bounds for a long FG attempt. By giving us 5 yards on the penalty they ensured that couldn't happen. It was actually pretty brilliant. But the key is to prevent Hartline from catching that ball without drawing pass interference. If the ball is placed just a little different and Hartline catches it and toe taps, we decline the penalty and Carpenter's lining up for the game winner. Woodson just made sure that ball wasn't going to Marshall.
Hmm. Maybe Woodson saw this... [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPINVd9zBko"]YouTube - Broncos Brandon Marshall 50 Yard Game Winning Touchdown vs Dallas 2009[/ame]
I guess the gamble is if Henne throws it to Marshall there It's PI? Still, there's not much from preventing a DB from shoving your best receiver down just after the 5 yards. In that instance, you'd trade 5 yards for 5 seconds or more of the clock.
i definitely agree that there should be a rule change about that. we don't want this game to turn into basketball at the end of every game. there shouldn't be any instance where intentionally committing a penalty gives you an advantage. maybe illegal contact should fall under a 15 yard holding penalty.
I thought Henne was throwing that ball to Marshall, and the contact made him fall down and Hartline was just in the area.
off the subject, but also, how the hell DIDNT Ronnie Brown get that 1st down?!?!?!?! The one where it went to the booth, and they still blew the call!! That was a 1st down, and it kinda wasnt even close...
I thought the pass was intended for Hartline. The key for PI is that the ball is in the air. Since the contact happened before the pass was thrown it wasn't PI regardless. I agree that it was probably a smart play, but if that penalty had nullified an interception or fumble recovery that had given GB a chance to score, nobody wold be calling it a smart play. I also think that HardCore's idea about the penalty being stricter in the last 2 minutes has merit and warrants consideration. You don't want teams to be in situations where breaking the rules benefits them.
then what about that bs offensive pi call on marshall against the jets?the ball wasnt in the air and neither marshall nor the defender were past 5 yards.
