I have a question on the chop block in the Giants game. What constitutes "engaged" with another player. It appeared that Seubert was backing up but had not put his hands on the defender when Bradshaw launched his body. Unfortunately, by the time Bradshaw reached the defender Seubert was clearly blocking him. If Seubert had not yet put his hands on the defender but they were "squared off" would the call had still been made?
Also, does it matter that when Bradshaw launched for his legs, Seubert had not yet touched him (i.e. does it matter what the player is doing at the time of contact or making the move towards the legs)? By the way, I really enjoy your explanations of some of the nuances of calling the game. Thanks. – Jeff S.
First, I must correct you. I went back and looked at the play again. Seubert clearly has his right hand on the chest of the Charger player, and his left hand appears to be on the shoulder before Bradshaw launches himself at the Charger.
However, it really does not make a difference. Rule 12-2-15 addresses the chop block situation and states (in part) that it is a chop block if: "On a forward pass play, A1 chops a defensive player while A2 confronts the defensive player in a pass blocking posture but is not physically engaged with the defensive player."
A good way to look at it is if the defensive player has his attention on an offensive player in front of him, whether they are making contact or not, and a second offensive player comes in and cuts him at the thigh or below, it is a chop block.
Remember, it can also be a chop block if the initial contact comes at the thigh or below and then the second contact (simultaneously or immediately after the low block), engages the defensive play above the waist. This latter situation is not called as often as the high followed by the low block situation.
The purpose of the rule is clearly safety and it is one of the things that the officials were told to pay special attention to prior to the season.
Feel free to ask other questions, especially during this "off week" for the Giants.
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