NFL: No block in the back in Patriots' game-winning punt return vs. Jets
The NFL has insisted no penalty was committed during the New England Patriots' game-winning punt return for a touchdown against the New York Jets on Sunday.
Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the league said that Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. legally hit Justin Hardee of the Jets on a block that originated from the side at around the New York 15-yard line. Hardee attempted to chase New England's Marcus Jones down before Jones entered the end zone for the touchdown that propelled the hosts to a massive 10-3 victory:
Florio disputes the notion that Wilson committed no foul because of what is detailed in the league's rulebook. According to the rules, a block in the back is committed "if either hand is on the back" and/or when a player "blocks an opponent (from behind) in the back above the opponent’s waist, or uses his hands or arms to push an opponent from behind in a manner that affects his movement, except in close-line play."
A slowed-down video replay seems to show that Wilson shoved Hardee in the back using at least one hand as the initial contact came from the side. Had a 10-yard penalty been enforced, New England would've received possession of the football at roughly the 25-yard line with enough time for placekicker Nick Folk to attempt a walk-off field goal.
As Florio pointed out, Folk previously missed kicks from 44 and 43 yards out earlier in the game that were attempted in windy conditions:
"Given that the rulebook makes it clear that it’s a foul if either hand is on the opponent’s back, common sense suggests that any exception based on initial contact coming from the side before one or both hands are placed on the opponent’s back, that exception would be printed in the rulebook," Florio wrote. "Without a 'first contact from the side' exception, it’s a foul if the blocker puts his hands on the opponent’s back, and shoves."
Sunday's result improved the Patriots to 6-4 and dropped the Jets to that same mark. While New England is third in the AFC East standings, Gang Green fell to last in the division.
The Patriots next play at the 8-2 Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving night, while the Jets will host the 3-8 Chicago Bears this coming Sunday.
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