Apart from the well-documented confusion regarding the “illegal forward pass” call that gave the Vikings two extra points in a game they won by one, readers continue to raise with us the contention that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson removed his helmet after scoring the decisive touchdown with 2:22 to play, and that the Vikings should have drawn a 15-yard penalty.
So, in an effort to get them to leave us alone fulfill our mission of embracing the issues that PFT Planets wants us to tackle, we decided to give the matter a look-see.
And they’re right.
The rule is clear; per Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1(h), the removal of a helmet during or after the play except when in the bench area constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct.
Even more clear is the fact that Peterson took his helmet off (or, perhaps more accurately given the thing that Peterson was wearing on his head, “took it out“) promptly after scoring. Here’s the video — forward to 2:35.
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Thus, the Vikings should have been kicking off from their own 15, which would have changed the entire dynamic for the Packers’ potential game-winning drive.
Bottom line? Minnesota’s 28-27 win carries almost as much tarnish as Denver’s Week Two win over San Diego.