Can Someone Explain What Exactly Results In A Penalty For Low Tackle On A Qb?

[FAN_O_THE_ATL 200]

Falcons got flagged for one but Bucs didn't when they hit Ryan low on the last play. I've never understood the definition of the rule??? I would post videos of the two plays here but don't know how.

[slamee101 7,143]

Yea, it's a rule that needs revisiting. I understand why it was implemented (Brady) but they apply it inconsistently and there are situations were guys are spun at a QBs feet and it's called (Schofield) and then times like the Bucs on the final play when it's not.

[YoungHeezy 9,259]

Same type of hit last week except Ryan got out of it and it wasn't called.

[xFalconLord 353]

I was thinking the same thing. The last play was exactly what should be a penalty.

[Lornoth 12,044]

If they're forced into it (like pushed down onto the QB) or if the QB is a runner/out of the pocket it's not a penalty. Otherwise anything in the knee area is a personal foul.

Of course that's only in theory. Much like holding it's a very sporadically called penalty.

[maxatlanta 1,326]

Thing is, they called the holding penalty on the guy that threw Scho into the qb. Somehow they still felt it was ok to flag Scho for the hit.

[MilleniumFalcon 3,083]

Schofield was borderline at best... he kind of landed right above the knee of Winston. Last play of the game, the defender landed on the ground and swiped at Ryan's ankles so that wasn't a penalty.

[FAN_O_THE_ATL 200]

Schofield was borderline at best... he kind of landed right above the knee of Winston. Last play of the game, the defender landed on the ground and swiped at Ryan's ankles so that wasn't a penalty.

You should watch the last play again. The guy was not on the ground swiping at Ryan's ankles. The defender made forcible contact (NFL term I think) with Ryan's lower leg. Helmet around the knee and bear hug around the calf. Personally I don't like the rule (whatever it is) but it's unacceptable for it to not be called consistently. I get missing a hold because there are only a couple officials looking at 10+ guys mauling each other. There's only 1 QB on the field and at least 1 referee has responsibility for watching what happens to him on every play.