Passing is one of the key elements in an NFL game. In order to win games, teams have to ensure optimum passing accuracy. Unfortunately, as the human mind is prone to making errors, passes can sometimes go wrong. As a result, players can often fumble with a ball or get an incomplete pass at a crucial juncture in the game.
Now, there might be some confusion as to what exactly an incomplete pass is and how is that different from a fumble? So, here’s everything you need to know about an incomplete pass in the NFL.
What Is An Incomplete Pass?
To put it in simple words, when a forward pass made by a player does not reach its intended receiver, it is known as an incomplete pass. Now, there are a number of reasons as to how an incomplete pass might occur in an NFL game. Firstly, if a pass is attempted but falls short and touches the ground before players from either team latch on, an incomplete pass takes place.
Next up, an incomplete pass can happen even if players from either team catch the ball properly. This usually happens when the catch is completed but the player has been found to be out of bounds, or beyond the playing area. Lastly, if a pass carries too much momentum from the thrower, causing it to fly away over the line of play, the pass attempt is deemed to be incomplete.
What Happens After An Incomplete Pass?
Soon after the referee spots an incomplete pass, the game clock is stopped. Also, the failed attempt leads them down to advance by one. Interestingly, the team on the offense gains no yards.
What Is A Fumble? How Is It Different From An Incomplete Pass?
A fumble happens when a legal pass is made successfully. In this case, the receiver catches the ball within the playing area. However, for some reason, if the player is unable to keep possession of the ball, and the opponent snatches it, the resulting play is known as a fumble. According to the NFL rules, in order for a pass to be deemed legal, both the legs of the receiver shall remain within the playing area.
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Also Read: What Is Illegal Motion In The NFL? Everything You Need To Know
On the contrary, sometimes a pass might be ill-directed, or the opposing defenders might have a great sense of anticipation and cut off the pass. Thus, on occasions when the pass is received by the opponent’s defense before the ball hits the ground, it is known as an interception.
Thus, there is one fundamental difference between an incomplete pass and a fumble. For a fumble to happen, the players must remain within the playing area. However, an incomplete pass only takes place either when the ball touches the ground or the receivers have gone outside the legal playing field.
Also Read: What Is Illegal Motion In The NFL? Everything You Need To Know
What Is Pass Interference?
There is a thin legal line between Pass interception and Pass interference. Now, it is completely legal if the ball is intercepted by the opposing defense before it reaches its intended receiver in mid-air. However, there’s a catch. The defender cannot touch or interfere with the receiver’s play in a way that prevents the receiver from holding onto the ball. This is known as a Pass Interference and such a play results in an immediate penalty on the concerned team.
This was ruled as an incomplete pass in the Illinois-Indiana game
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 3, 2022
pic.twitter.com/JmbOy4HdxE
But there’s also an exception to this rule. The attempted pass might be very high or completely wide of the reach of the receiver. In that case, the pass interference rule does not hold. In such cases, the referee calls the play ‘uncatchable’ and thus, a penalty is deemed to be impossible.
What Is An Intentional Incomplete Pass?
As surprising as it might sound, an incomplete pass can be attempted by teams intentionally at times. This particularly takes place in case of a blitz. During the play, the quarterback can intentionally throw the ball out of play to induce an incomplete pass. It is done especially when the quarterback faces the threat of a blitz. This is usually done to avoid an impending sack. Another major reason to attempt an intentional incomplete pass is clock management. As soon as an incomplete pass is made, the clock stops, allowing for teams to regroup.
Also Read: What Is A Fair Catch? Everything You Need To Know
