??? about rules (Colts)

[DenverFanInGB]

I just had a question or maybe someone can chime in with some thoughts and opinions. In the NFL rulebook it states:

"No interior lineman may move abruptly after taking or simulating a three-point stance. "

It also states:
"All players of offensive team must be stationary at snap, except one back who may be in motion parallel to scrimmage line or backward (not forward). "

Okay, i'm watching the Indy/Dallas game. Peyton likes to audible, and in a shotgun he walks up to his lineman to yell the play out and meanwhile his o-line moves around to look back at him and even stand straight up to hear what he's saying. How is that not a penalty for a false start? Can someone explain why this is?

[armedequation]

I just had a question or maybe someone can chime in with some thoughts and opinions. In the NFL rulebook it states:

"No interior lineman may move abruptly after taking or simulating a three-point stance. "

It also states:
"All players of offensive team must be stationary at snap, except one back who may be in motion parallel to scrimmage line or backward (not forward). "

Okay, i'm watching the Indy/Dallas game. Peyton likes to audible, and in a shotgun he walks up to his lineman to yell the play out and meanwhile his o-line moves around to look back at him and even stand straight up to hear what he's saying. How is that not a penalty for a false start? Can someone explain why this is?

the only thing I can figure is that because he called an audible, the lineman can move around again after they were set the first time. Thats the only thing I can think of.

good question

[GridironChamp]

The linemen can turn around as long as they dont move thier down hand and or
thier feet once they are set. If they stand up, its because they never entered the
3 point stand.

[y2cragie]

but they do move their hands and feet. Its just one of those things that the refs will let go as long as they reset and hold for a good second or so i guess.

[DenverFanInGB]

Well i thought it was unfair when Peyton was audibling out of a play and the o-lineman moved which caused the Dallas defender to jump in the neutral zone that resulted a flag on Dallas. Just kind of messed up i think.

[y2cragie]

i agree its unfair, but anyone surprised since its the colts?

[CinnaMunMun]

Well i thought it was unfair when Peyton was audibling out of a play and the o-lineman moved which caused the Dallas defender to jump in the neutral zone that resulted a flag on Dallas. Just kind of messed up i think.

It doesn't happen too often though, surprisingly.

The NFL is also trying to put mics in the O-line's helmets so they hear the audible clearly.

I think they let it slide because they are usually not the first people to move when Manning is calling an audible, thus the D usually knows that they are just listening to him.

Also, the ball is the biggest thing that shouldn't be moved. If Saturday moved the ball, then the play is live.

[LDB]

This is from the Rocky Mountain News

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Q: I am curious as to why the Indianapolis Colts get away with two of the simplest penalties in football? I was at the game . . . and was frustrated by it so much that I am writing to find an answer. It might be a dumb question but it only now has crossed my mind. First, when an offensive lineman even rocks or sways in his stance he is almost always called for false start. Once in their stance they are not to budge. Every single game Manning gestures and audibles at the line, which causes all of his offensive linemen to sway, move and rock.

A: This is a complaint from a lot of defensive coaches about the Colts. However, truth be told most complain more that Manning flicks his hands when he's doing the cadence from the shotgun and almost every coach that faces the Colts tells the officials to watch for that at some point in the pre-game.

The rules allow the offensive linemen to turn and hear the call.

The book says: "no player . . . may charge or move abruptly after assuming set position, in such a manner as to lead defense to believe snap has started.''

If the Colts snap the ball and the lineman has his head or body twisted, the flag probably comes. But if he turns, gets the call, keeps his feet planted for the most part, they let it go because most defenses aren't going to believe the snap is coming if the left tackle has his head turned back to the quarterback.

The book also says: "After a shift or huddle, all players on the offensive team must come to an absolute stop for at least one second with no movement of hands, feet, head or swaying of body.''

The Colts get close to that one at times, but they have been working in their offense so long most of the linemen do get set for that one beat before the snap goes back.

Like most things, in the end, it's a judgment deal.