The NFL is a game where teams look to block their opponents from making a field goal or a touchdown. Now, in order to do that, teams often try to intercept the forward passes from their rivals. While there are legal ways to prevent a team from scoring, players often resort to ambiguous ways of stopping forward momentum.
One such foul is known as the Pass Interference foul. Here’s everything that you need to know about the NFL rule.
What Is The Pass Interference Rule?
A pass interference occurs when an athlete intervenes by making physical contact in between a receiver’s attempt to catch a ball. This interference can be of many forms. The most common forms of interference include pushing a receiver or tugging the jersey of an athlete. But there can be other ways, too. These include tripping, covering the face of the receiver, and even pulling the receiver’s arms.
However, a pass interference foul does not stand when no physical contact is made. For example, if a forward throw is being made and the ball is either caught or touched by the opponent, a foul will not be counted. In such cases, after gaining control of the ball, a defender has the leverage to tackle the receiver in order to prevent him regaining the ball.
How Many Types Of Pass Interference Are There?
There are usually two types of pass interference in the NFL: Defensive pass interference and offensive pass interference.
In case of defensive pass interference, a defender makes illegal contact with the opponent’s receiver. In such a situation, the defender has no intention to catch the ball or gain control of the ball. Instead, they are only concerned about attacking the receiver physically and preventing them from making the catch.
Officials just wiped a 40 yard completion off the board for this “offensive pass interference”:
— Jay (@Jay__chiefs) December 8, 2024
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Likewise, in case of offensive pass interference, a receiver is at fault for making physical contact with the defender. The receiver here would block downfield if the pass made is beyond the line of scrimmage. In such a situation, a receiver usually tries to push off the defender even before the ball comes at a catchable height. This is done to create separation so that the receiver finds it easy to gain possession of the ball.
How Does The Foul Differ In Case Of Defensive And Offensive Pass Interference?
Quite expected, there are separate rules for the offensive and defensive Pass Interference. When a defensive pass interference foul has been committed, the team on the offense will be awarded an automatic first down. Moreover, in case of such fouls, the ball is usually placed at the exact spot where the foul has been committed. In cases where the foul has been committed in the end zone, the first down is awarded at the 1-yard line.
Now, coming to offensive pass interference, there are no downs on offer for the defensive team. Instead, the team guilty of committing the foul is slapped with a loss of yardage penalty. In most cases, a loss of 10 yards is being handed, along with a repeat of the down for the team.
Also Read: What Is Illegal Motion In The NFL? Everything You Need To Know
Now, coming to offensive pass interference, there are no downs on offer for the defensive team. Instead, the team guilty of committing the foul is slapped with a loss of yardage penalty. In most cases, a loss of 10 yards is being handed, along with a repeat of the down for the team.
Can A Team Challenge A Pass Interference Foul?
Yes, technically, a team can challenge a pass interference foul. As a matter of fact, coaches do have the right to call for a review. However, it is not very easy to overturn a decision made. This is because the criteria for doing so are quite complex. Once a foul has been called, significant visual evidence is needed to convince the officials whether a call was wrongly made.
How Much Of An Impact Can A Pass Interference Foul Have On The Game?
It has already been discussed that once a foul is called, the decision usually stays. Thus, it is very important for the referees to make the right call, as often, the decision is subjective. Moreover, such a foul can have a significant impact on the overall outcome of the game. This is due to the loss of yardage penalties that often follow a pass interference foul, making it one of the most important rules in an NFL game.
Also Read: What Is A Touchdown In The NFL? Everything You Need To Know
