In the NFL, penalties can drastically change the momentum of a game, and one of the most severe is the blindside block. Although officials don’t call it as frequently as other penalties, they consider a blindside block one of the most dangerous fouls in football. Here’s everything to know about this penalty and its impact on the game.
A blindside block occurs when a player makes a forcible block against an opponent who is not expecting contact. Specifically, a blindside block is when a player moves toward or parallel to their own end line and uses their helmet, forearm, or shoulder to make contact with the opponent. The key elements are the direction of movement and the nature of the contact.
In football, the “blindside” refers to the unprotected side of a quarterback—usually the left side for right-handed QBs and the right side for left-handed QBs. However, a player delivering a blindside block from behind or an unexpected angle makes it a dangerous hit that often leads to serious injuries.
NFL’s 2019 Rule Change To Penalize Blindside Blocks For Safety
In 2019, the NFL owners voted to make blindside blocks a penalty, responding to safety concerns. According to NFL Football Operations, one-third of all concussions on punt plays were caused by blindside blocks. This prompted the league to implement the rule in an effort to reduce the risk of serious injuries.
A blindside block results in a 15-yard penalty, which can have a significant impact on the game. If a player commits an especially aggressive foul or involves helmet-to-helmet contact, officials may even eject the player. When a defender commits the foul, officials also award the offense an automatic first down. This penalty not only affects player safety but can also change the flow of a game.
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Before 2019, the rule only applied to forcible contact to the head or neck area. The league changed the rule to include any forcible contact made with the helmet, forearm, or shoulder, regardless of the target area. The league also stressed non-forcible contact, encouraging players to use their bodies or hands to shield rather than delivering full-blown blocks.
Exceptions And Real-Game Examples Of The Blindside Block Rule
Officials recognize some exceptions where they don’t consider a blindside block a foul. For example, they allow the block in ‘close-line plays’—those where the ball hasn’t left the area. This applies mainly to designed plays where the quarterback retreats immediately or slightly delays before handing off the ball. However, even in these cases, actions like peelback or crackback blocks are still restricted.
In a 2018 Packers vs. Dolphins game, Packers receiver Equanimeous St. Brown delivered an illegal blindside block that knocked out Dolphins cornerback Bobby McCain. This play helped prompt the rule change the following year. On the flip side, in a 2020 Patriots vs. Chiefs game, officials initially flagged Chiefs offensive lineman Austin Reiter for a block, but they later ruled the play legal because it did not meet the criteria for a blindside block.
All in all, the NFL’s blindside block rule is crucial for player safety. It aims to reduce injuries caused by unexpected, forcible hits. By eliminating these dangerous blocks, the league prioritizes player well-being while maintaining the integrity of the game.
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