You blow quite a bit of wind and it's starting to stink.
Since you're in need of education...
The NFL face mask rule prohibits players from grasping, twisting, turning, pushing, or pulling an opponent's face mask or helmet opening. The penalty is a 15-yard loss, and the action can result in disqualification if it is considered flagrant. Incidental contact is no longer penalized with a 5-yard penalty; it is either not called or is considered a flagrant foul.
Key aspects of the rule
• What is prohibited: Players are not allowed to grasp and then twist, turn, push, or pull an opponent's face mask or helmet opening.
• Intentional vs. incidental: The rule was changed to eliminate the 5-yard penalty for incidental or accidental contact. If a player grasps a mask, they must release it immediately. If they control their opponent with the mask, it's a foul.
• Penalty:
• 15-yard penalty: For a facemask foul, the penalty is 15 yards.
• Automatic first down: If the defense commits the foul, it results in an automatic first down for the offense.
• Disqualification: A player may be disqualified if the action is deemed flagrant.
• Examples of a foul:
• A pass rusher grazing the quarterback's face mask while trying to disrupt a pass.
• A defender contacting a ball carrier's face mask to make a tackle.
• An offensive lineman using their hand to forcefully contact the face mask of a defensive lineman during blocking.
• Reviewability: The league is considering making facemask penalties subject to replay assistance, which would be a change from the current precedent where a penalty is not called if not seen by an official on the field.
The back of the helmet and ANY opening (face mask included) falls under the rules.
Has the picture been painted clearly enough for you now, Sparky???
