The play where the ball was hit as he threw it under duress and the pass went pretty much went straight up into the air. Was that a holding call, or did they call it a sack? If they called it a sack, then how in the hell do you have a challenge by the opposing team that it was a fumble vs an incompletion? I couldn't hear the audio, I was at a sports bar.
I have the same question. I was at the game with a couple friends and saw the ball get thrown into the air and then next thing I know it was 2nd and 21. I asked my friends if it was a fumble or a penalty but it would've been an 11 yard penalty so it had to be ruled a fumble. But no one recovered it if it was a fumble, I don't know I was confused for the rest of the afternoon about what happened.
Now I might be wrong but if the ball went straight in the air and did not cross the line of scrimage wouldnt that be intentional grounding?
Well if you're the New England Patriots the call would have been..."The Quarterback did not intend to fumble, therefore it's an incomplete pass." I think the refs screwed up on the play. If it was a fumble then the ball should have been spotted elsewhere. If it was an incomplete pass the ball would've returned to the line of scrimmage. Those guys reminded me of SEC refs...clueless! It appeared to me that his arm was moving forward so I think the Saints got screwed. Oh well, what's new?
If you're forced out of the pocket you can throw the ball away but it must cross the line of scrimmage. If you're in the pocket and attempting to throw but unable to reach the line of scrimmage due to being hit, it wouldn't be grounding. Some are fairly obvious and others are judgment calls. I watched the game but haven't seen the replay. If I recall correctly, it appeared to be an incomplete pass. The refs should explain these calls but usually don't because I believe they make it up as they go.
