New Player-Safety Rules Passed for NFL

[Antec]

It says "to recover before it hits the ground".

The way I interpret that is that if he muffs it and the ball goes into the air he is allowed to catch it before it hits the ground. Your gunner can't just take him out as soon as he muffs the ball. When it hits the ground it becomes a live ball.

[KBLover]

You're probably right, Antec, but it seems so vague.

It would be better if they defined what interference would be considered.

Or if they just said something like if there is contact with the player calling for the fair catch after the ball was muffed in the air, the ball will be blown dead at the spot of the contact and awarded to the return team.

Almost an extension of the rule allowing the kicking team to down the ball.

I guess it's that "reasonable opportunity" bit that just seems so open to interpretation.

[ak47jared]

good rules, except the loss of helmet rule.