Help a Newb: I don't understand what qualifies for pass interference
Help a Newb: I don't understand what qualifies for pass interference
I'm a Broncos fan, but was watching a rerun of the Dolphins/Texans second pre-season game today - I didn't especially care about the outcome or know anything about either team.
At 14:42 in the second quarter, Thompson threw a long ball to Wilson Jr. As Wilson Jr closed in and started to reach for the ball, the defender (Ward) grabbed at Wilson's right bicep, then pushed down on Wilson's right hand and wrist. Wilson tried to make a one handed catch with his left hand, but was now off balance and fell.
It seems to me that Wilson possibly had chance to catch the ball - if his arm hadn't been grabbed. No one - not even the players - seemed to think it was an issue. The commentators said it was good coverage.
I just can't get my head around it, what are the criteria for pass interference? This and what qualifies as roughing the passer seem super arbitrary.
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One component that affects it is that the defender is allowed to compete for the ball. So if they've got their head round to see it and are going for it then they're given more leniency than if they just check someone's progress while running downfield.
So, roughly (although it IS incredibly subjective): pulling on an arm in a way that prevents a defender getting to the position to catch the ball=bad. Pulling on an arm while you're both trying to get to an incoming ball=ok.
Subjective rules suck, but I also don't have any better ideas. I don't remember the defender turning around, but you could be right. It all happens so fast in real life that maybe they just didn't notice or realize. Or maybe it was a completely legitimate play and I have wrong expectations. Just have to keep watching.