The Shovel Pass

[Dog]

In my opinion, the shovel pass should not be ruled as a forward pass

Here's what I think the NFL should change:

If a QB throws the ball underhand to another player that is behind the line of scrimmage and in the tackle box, it should be ruled as a hand off

Why?

Because (1) QBs get credit for TD passes on them and that bothers me and (2) it would make coaches think twice about it knowing that if the RB drops it, it would be a fumble and not just an incomplete "pass"


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[Jonsco28]

If that were the case, the shovel pass would become extinct. Too risky.

I like the call and the rule the way it is.

[ImTellinTim]

Well that rule change makes no sense. Coaches would immediately find a way to exploit it and throw two forward passes on the same play.

[Dog]

How could it be exploited?


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[oneamongthefence]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

Well that rule change makes no sense. Coaches would immediately find a way to exploit it and throw two forward passes on the same play.

Beyond the LOS is an illegal forward pass. Kinda hard to exploit that I would think. Traditionally the shovel pass is thrown/tossed beyond the LOS. Anything behind is considered a run.

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[ImTellinTim]

Quote: Originally Posted by oneamongthefence

Beyond the LOS is an illegal forward pass. Kinda hard to exploit that I would think. Traditionally the shovel pass is thrown/tossed beyond the LOS. Anything behind is considered a run. From my fingers to your eyes using Tapatalk...

Huh? The shovel pass is usually basically a draw or trap play where the ball is thrown to the RB instead of handed off. LOS has nothing to do with the legality of a forward pass other than the throw has to be made FROM behind the LOS. Where the catch is made has nothing to do with it. And most shovel passes are caught at or behind the LOS.

[oneamongthefence]

Quote: Originally Posted by ImTellinTim

Huh? The shovel pass is usually basically a draw or trap play where the ball is thrown to the RB instead of handed off. LOS has nothing to do with the legality of a forward pass other than the throw has to be made FROM behind the LOS. Where the catch is made has nothing to do with it. And most shovel passes are caught at or behind the LOS.

You're right. I was thinking any passes caught behind the LOS was considered a rush but to be considered a pass the qb has to throw a foward pass behind the LOS. However, most shovel passes I have seen have the qb tossing the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. Favre had several instances of doing this throughout his career.

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[oneamongthefence]

Its basically a screen pass just thrown differently.

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