Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

The pass to Meachem was crucial, but the Falcons got flagged for holding on defense and of course it was declined. But because it was a penalty, the clock stops (see Dallas vs Detroit when Dallas was called for holding trying to run the clock down and helped Detroit get the time needed to win the game).

If it's an incomplete pass, then fine of course the clock should stop. But if the offense runs a play that stays in bounds, then let the clock continue to run if the penalty is declined by the offense.

I guess what I'm saying is the defense should not be rewarded with what is essentially an extra timeout.

Re: Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

I was wondering that too. I was watching with the sound off, and couldn't figure out why we had to run another play before the 2 min warning.

I don't think it does stop on an offensive penalty... maybe inside two minutes?

Re: Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

In the Dallas/Detroit game, the Cowboys ran about an 8 yard run that was just short of a first down (3rd down play) and the Lions declined a holding call on Dallas that forced the clock to stop. It ended up giving Stafford an extra 40 seconds, and of course we all know what happened.

In that instance, the team trying to run out the clock maybe deserves the clock to stop by committing a penalty. But the Saints didn't commit the penalty last night and Atlanta benefitted from their own penalty, which wasn't even accepted. No one can ever convince me that makes sense.

Re: Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

Pass interference in the end zone should be a touchdown. If you hold the offense to anything less than 6 points you profit from the penalty.

Re: Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

One of the rules I hate and despise in Football is automatic first downs off small yardage penalties, Especially the 5 yard and sometimes 10 yard variety.

Re: Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

The Falcons weren't rewarded anything.
A penalty comes with an extra down (or a 1st down) and additional yards, which more than compensates for any stoppage time while the penalty is sorted out. Also, on a timeout, the clock starts when the ball is snapped next, whereas with a penalty it starts after the referee announces the penalty.

Now, on that particular play, the Saints decided to decline the penalty, since the result of the play put them in FG range with a 1st down, while taking the penalty would have only net them 5 yards.

Re: Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

Thanks for clearing that up.

Re: Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

we need a rule that cuts the nads off of politically correct yuppies so they can't breed.

Re: Rule needs to change about clock stoppage on penalties
 

enough rule changes. i say undo some of them myself.