NFL Acknowledges Mistaken Roughing-the-Kicker Penalty on Cowboys
The NFL has officially recognized an error regarding a roughing-the-kicker penalty involving Ryan Flournoy during a recent game. The penalty, which added 15 yards to the Philadelphia Eagles’ advance, occurred when Flournoy made contact with Eagles punter Braden Mann. However, the league determined that Flournoy had tipped the ball prior to contact, which should have negated the penalty.
NFL Acknowledges Mistaken Roughing-the-Kicker Penalty on Cowboys
Mark Butterworth, the NFL’s vice president of instant replay, explained that the league’s ability to overturn such calls depends on the availability of clear video evidence. In this case, Fox did not provide a timely replay showing that Flournoy had tipped the ball.
Details of the Incident
- Player Involved: Ryan Flournoy (Dallas Cowboys)
- Punter: Braden Mann (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Penalty: 15 yards for roughing the kicker
- Yardage of Punt: 40 yards
During the game, the Eagles capitalized on the penalty and scored a touchdown, taking a 14-0 lead. Butterworth stated that if the NFL had received the enhanced replay showing Flournoy’s touch of the ball sooner, they could have assisted in correcting the call before the next play.
Coaches’ Insights
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer noted that the team did not have a clear view of the incident at the time. He acknowledged Flournoy’s insistence that he had tipped the punt but emphasized the challenges in spotting such nuances during the game.
Ultimately, Butterworth reiterated that the NFL relies on clear and obvious evidence to utilize replay assistance effectively. The situation highlights the complexities of officiating in the NFL and the impact of timely video replays on game outcomes.
