NFL: Giants would have been flagged if they spiked it

AP Via ESPN ^ | 1-6-03 | ANON

[Pharmboy]

NEW YORK -- Giants holder Matt Allen could not have spiked the botched snap on the final play of New York's loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

It's against the rules.

Mike Pereira, the NFL supervisor of officials, confirmed Monday that Allen would not have been allowed to immediately spike the ball because it was a long snap. The only time a player can spike the ball is when he takes the snap from under the center.

With six seconds left Sunday and the Giants trailing 39-38, Matt Bryant lined up to try a potential game-winning 41-yard field goal. The snap from newly signed Trey Junkin was in the dirt. Allen fumbled the ball, then made a desperation pass downfield to what turned out to be an ineligible receiver, guard Rich Seubert.

Fox commentator Cris Collinsworth said at the time that since it was third down, Allen could have spiked the ball, giving the Giants another chance at a kick. Afterward, on the Fox postgame show, other commentators agreed.

Pereira said the only other option would have been to throw to an eligible receiver.

[hchutch]

And they'll have a Meadowlands-sized chip on their shoulder after their season ended on a bad non-call by the officials. They are gonna be tough next year.

[skeeter]

I think we're the only two Raider fans here though.

Here's another.

Heck, I shouted so loud after the infamous 'tuck rule' call last year I made my daughter cry.

[Dog Gone]

Well, Giant fans should console themselves with the fact that there would have been only one more play.

As I recall, the pass interference was at about the 3 yard line, which means they would have lined up and botched another field goal attempt.

[motzman]

Damn them to Hades

There better be some firin' going on at NFL Referee Headquarters.

[walkingdead]

Good to hear skeeter, and welcome, we could use all the Raider fans we can get around here!

[WhiteGuy]

Niners' faithful here in cowtown..............

Good comment, one play does not a game/season make......

Bring on Grampa Bay.....

[Dog Gone]

Yeah, what you said.

[Pharmboy]

Don't count your Eaglets before they hatch.

[MattinNJ]

This game absolutely killed me yesterday.

Couldn't agree more.I was literally sick to my stomach. Man, that just.............F%^&*&) SUCKED.

[KneelBeforeZod]

[mr.pink]

...sees them blow another 3rd and long to my profanity laiden insults and says...

LOL...I was speaking in tongues at quite a few points yesterday.

Watching R Woodson basically be the defensive MVP for the Raiders grinds at my gut. Other teams used to grab our secondary guys, but not anymore. The only one worth a damn in my book is Logan.

[motzman]

As I recall, the pass interference was at about the 3 yard line, which means they would have lined up and botched another field goal attempt.

It would have been re-kicked from the original line of scrimmage...

And if memory serves, Bryant had three game winning field goals this year. The Niners got lucky, and probably wouldn't have gotten so lucky the next time.

However, the Giants kicker, punter, and long snapper should be cleaning out their lockers right about now...

[Alberta's Child]

I have no complaints about the officiating. I've already said that if the Giants got a second chance on that play Fassel should have had them punt the ball just to make a point.

That team had no business even being in the playoffs in the first place.

[SelmerTS111281]

RE: You're forgetting rule 796a part III, which states that the Steelers, Packers and 49ers will always get the benefit of the doubt

You a Dallas cry-boy fan by any chance?

[Alberta's Child]

With a few adjustments, the Giants will be the most dangerous team in the NFL next year.

I agree. Like a new defensive coordinator, a new head coach, a nickel back who is capable of covering my grandmother, defensive players at every position who can tackle, a tight end who can shut the f#ck up and catch the ball when it is thrown to him, or at least a tight end who can catch the ball when it is thrown to him, etc.

[L.N. Smithee]

Never happen. McCaskey (Bears president Mike, grandson of George Halas) would sooner grab the starter from Slippery Rock than to grab an experienced NFL QB. He's too damned cheap to do otherwise.

He gets experienced QB's....when their just about finished in the league, like Chris Chandler.

[FReepaholic]

But the clock would have stopped. I don't remember what yard line they were on, but perhaps a 5 yard penalty wouldn't have hurt.

[Mrs.Liberty]

What are the rules then for instant replay in this situation: Could the Giants have asked for a review replay though the game was over?

[Dog Gone]

It would have been re-kicked from the original line of scrimmage...

Good point. I was pulling for the Giants in that game, but I don't share their pain. I'm merely a Cowboy fan who loves to see the 49ers lose whenever possible.

But it certainly was an entertaining game, and it had the wackiest last minute I've seen in a long time.

[discostu]

Scott, who's injured, has good interception hands, but it's shear random chance when he's actually in position to make a play. The one that drives me the most nuts is Washington who lines up 10 yards off the line almost every play and begins backing up the second the ball is snapped. You can throw 5 yard buttonhook passes against him all day long... actually that's exactly what the Raiders did in Week 2. His only saving grace is that he's a good tackler and you won't get a lot of yards after catch, but when you give away first down receptions like crackerjack prizes YAC isn't really necessary. Woodson rocked I miss him.