-
Michael DiRocco, ESPN Workers Author
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It may take some time earlier than everybody within the NFL is comfy and assured in regards to the new kickoff guidelines.
That features the officers.
There was some confusion a few kickoff through the Jacksonville Jaguars‘ 26-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday night time. Initially dominated a touchback, the decision was overturned after a prolonged dialogue and stood as a security for the Jaguars.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson known as the state of affairs a educating second for all the league and was happy that though it took some time, the proper name was ultimately made.
“I feel it is a good teaching level for all groups to actually coach our returners in that state of affairs,” Pederson mentioned. “It is undoubtedly going to be on the coach’s video that is going to return out this week, and it’s actually an excellent educating second for everyone, us included, for our returners.
“And it is simply a good way to study that rule and to study the sport of soccer.”
The state of affairs unfolded like this:
The kickoff from Jaguars kicker Cam Little landed ultimately zone and bounced again into the sector of play. Chiefs returner Mecole Hardman grabbed the ball and introduced it again into the tip zone whereas he was kneeling down, so officers dominated it a touchback.
Nonetheless, Jaguars particular groups coordinator Heath Farwell insisted to Pederson that it wasn’t a touchback, as did director of recreation administration Zach Beistline on the headset from the coaches field. So Pederson went to the officers, who had already noticed the ball on the 30-yard line, through the tv timeout to plead his case.
“The ball landed ultimately zone and now by rule continues to be a stay ball,” Pederson defined after the sport. “Final yr that will’ve been down, it could’ve been lifeless and the ball comes out to what, the 25 or no matter it was final yr. Now the ball’s stay, so the ball was ultimately zone, got here out to in regards to the half-yard line. The returner was ultimately zone however pulled the ball again into the tip zone when he took a knee.
“So security. That is the rule.”
The officers, led by referee Tra Blake, gathered collectively and, after reviewing the play, dominated it a security to offer the Jaguars a 20-10 lead with 26 seconds remaining within the first half.
“My level to the officers was, you have to assessment it, not less than,” Pederson mentioned. “Give us a chance to assessment it — not me, as a result of I could not, however let the officers assessment it. They usually bought collectively, they collaborated on it, clearly went to assessment.”
Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who had operating again Louis Rees-Zammit make a kickoff later within the recreation, mentioned his workforce will work on ensuring everybody is obvious in regards to the rule.
“Usually when the ball goes into the tip zone, and also you contact it there, it is a lifeless ball,” he mentioned. “We’ll get it cleaned up and see what they provide you with.”
