The Jaguars have taken a 14-6 lead over the Colts, and the “home” team’s second touchdown drive included two rules oddities.
First, a catch by Jacksonville receiver Allen Robinson was wiped out by offsetting penalties arising from: (1) an illegal hit on Robinson by Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson; and (2) a taunting foul on Robinson, who spun the ball close enough to a defender to draw a flag.
While the penalties are of equal value from a yardage standpoint, the notion that a safety rule trumps a conduct rule continues to feel more than a little strange, especially since Robinson emerged from the play on notice that one more ball spin or other specific type of unsportsmanlike conduct foul will get him ejected. A second illegal hit on a defenseless receiver won’t automatically get Jackson ejected.
Then came the drive-ending play, a touchdown run by Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles. He paused before punting the ball toward the stands. A nearby official reached for his flag, but didn’t throw it.
It’s the right move, given the rules. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, balls thrown or punted into the stands are handled by fining the player not penalizing the team. With the hypersensitivity, however, to mild acts of taunting and touchdown celebrations involving props, it’s strange that a potential fan safety hazard isn’t penalized.
Are these major issues that strike at the heart of the integrity of the sport? No. But they are examples of the minor illogical inconsistencies that frustrate fans.
Meanwhile, it’s possible that the Bortles’ boot didn’t actually make it into the stands. Which is the best news for folks who didn’t expect to emerge from an NFL game with a face rearranged by something other than soccer hooligans.