Punt Question

[DinwiddieProud]

On a punt, if a defender rushing the punter gets to the ball as it comes off the punters foot, and then runs into the punter, is this a penalty? They did not call roughing, but running into.

 

[White hat]

Interesting. I'd like to see that play on video.

Touching the ball in an attempt to block it generally absolves that player from restrictions regarding running into the kicker.

It is not a blanket pass to hit the kicker (punter) as some people think, especially if one plyer touches the ball and another hits the kicker. Plus, a player who gets a hand on the ball but then makes a concerted effort to charge into the kicker can still be flagged. The kicker is a defenseless player until he has a chance to regain his balance.

All those instances, however, are personal fouls.

I cannot think of how a player who touched or blocked a punt could be called for a 5-yard, running into the kicker.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

I'll see what the coaches say about what's on the film. I saw the short wobbly flight of the ball, and the crowd hollered that it was blocked. I did not personally see the defender change the flight of the ball, nor witnessed the reaction of the defender after he supposedly hit the ball. I do not believe it was a targeted of vicious hit, just exactly what it was, running into the kicker through the normal course of going for the block. I don't have access to a hudl account, so I will have to depend on what the coaches saw. I'll let you know. Thanks.