Quote:
Originally Posted by Cobra Mgr
Here ya go. I'm sure the rules have changed in the last 45+ years. But the refs have been mandated to give the QB the benefit of the doubt. About the only time U see grounding called is if the QB is in the pocket or he doesn't get the ball to the LOS.
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Ok. The main rule is, if a receiver doesn't have a realistic chance at catching the ball. As far as that part goes, the rules haven't changed. That's why I brought up the Kilmer play. Also don't forget, intentional plays a role too. If a WR and QB aren't on the same page, the ball goes long when the WR comes back, that's not intentional.
The rules that have changed would be the part about being in the pocket as opposed to outside the pocket. But the league seemed to have adopted a rule that isn't in the books. That if a WR is anywhere near the ball, it's not intentional grounding. That's not in the books.
On Monday night we saw textbook intentional grounding by Goff. But they didn't call it. Goff, while in the pocket, just threw the ball into the dirt. But since the ball sailed past Gibbs head, it was ok. Just change the rule in the book.