Half the Distance Penalties and 1st Downs

[Jimmy]

A unique and maybe not so rare occurrence happened during the Bucs game. 4th and 3 inside the 5 yard line, getting to the 1yard line would have resulted in a first down. The Bucs are drawn offside in the neutral zone and the result is half the distance which kept it 4th down because half the distance didn't get us to the 1 yard line. 

I think a rule change should be instituted. If a penalty fully marked would lead to a first down anywhere else on the field, then a first down should be granted in the above scenario. The offense is being penalized by the half the distance rule. 

Others agree like Bryan Strickland, who wants to start a grass roots campaign.

https://twitter.com/PanthersBryan/status/946050287839666177

What say you Huddle? I know I was a little pissed because having 4 more shots at the end zone would've been nice.

[dave-o]

We all thought it was going to be first down...

 

[therealmjl]

Yeah that pissed me off. Was expecting it to be first down...it should be changed

[LA_Panther]

That will be nice. Automatic 1st downs I think are for post snap infractions ... I was pi$$ed too lol. That whole series inside 1 minute was nerve racking

[tondi]

Nobody who knows football thought that was an automatic first down or that the ball would be placed at the one. I cant believe people are still acting puzzled by this days later. If you don't like the rule then complain but its not even remotely confusing or controversial how that penalty was enforced. 

[Car123]

It's all fun and games until it comes back to haunt us.

[ladypanther]

14 minutes ago, LA_Panther said:

That whole series inside 1 minute was nerve racking

Truth!

[bab270]

I think the rule is appropriate because it isn't an automatic first down penalty. I don't think people are saying that the offense isn't penalized enough (or saying it should be a safety) when they have a false start at their own 2 yard line.

Also, what would be your thoughts about an encroachment that occurred at the opponents 1 yard line with it being 4th and goal? First down? Touchdown? Half the distance?

 

I agree with @tondi that the rules are pretty clear and was fully the expecting the 4th and 1/2 after the penalty. I personally wouldn't want a rule change.

[t96]

13 minutes ago, ladypanther said:

Truth!

 

28 minutes ago, LA_Panther said:

That whole series inside 1 minute was nerve racking

The terrible spot on Stew's 4th down run, Cam's botched snap. Jeez, why does this team have to do this to us? Seems every single year there's multiple games that could give me a heart attack. 

[Jimmy]

26 minutes ago, tondi said:

Nobody who knows football thought that was an automatic first down or that the ball would be placed at the one. I cant believe people are still acting puzzled by this days later. If you don't like the rule then complain but its not even remotely confusing or controversial how that penalty was enforced. 

The post wasn't about knowing the rule or not it was about changing it because it's stupid. 

[Ricky Spanish]

6 minutes ago, Jimmy said:

The post wasn't about knowing the rule or not it was about changing it because it's stupid. 

It's not stupid though. If you are within 5 yards and it's a 5 yard penalty, move the ball half the distance to the goal. Sucks it wasn't a first down but it's a completely fair rule to begin with. 

If we were on the 20 and it was 4th and 7 it would have only made it a 4th and 2. It'd be one thing if every single offsides/encroachment were an automatic first down, but half the time it isn't, so it shouldn't automatically be just because you are in a goal to go situation. 

Defenses need all the help they can get these days.

[dldove77]

I think the larger issue here is the terrible spot we were given after the Olsen catch. 

[Fox007]

52 minutes ago, Jimmy said:

A unique and maybe not so rare occurrence happened during the Bucs game. 4th and 3 inside the 5 yard line, getting to the 1yard line would have resulted in a first down. The Bucs are drawn offside in the neutral zone and the result is half the distance which kept it 4th down because half the distance didn't get us to the 1 yard line. 

I think a rule change should be instituted. If a penalty fully marked would lead to a first down anywhere else on the field, then a first down should be granted in the above scenario. The offense is being penalized by the half the distance rule. 

Others agree like Bryan Strickland, who wants to start a grass roots campaign.

https://twitter.com/PanthersBryan/status/946050287839666177

What say you Huddle? I know I was a little pissed because having 4 more shots at the end zone would've been nice.

Well then that also means when you are pinned on the 1 yardline and get a penalty they need to stretch the sticks that many yards in the other direction. So you'll have 2nd and 15 on a false start instead of 2nd and 11.

[CardiacCat]

14 minutes ago, Jimmy said:

The post wasn't about knowing the rule or not it was about changing it because it's stupid. 

"stupid is what stupid does"

Forrest Gump