If there’s a team who knows about illegal formations, it’s the Ravens. During last year’s playoffs, head coach John Harbaugh wasn’t happy with what he felt were deceptive tactics used by the Patriots involving ineligible players. On Monday, it was the Ravens who were penalized for an illegal formation.
The ravens sent offensive lineman John Urschel in to be an eligible receiver, meaning he would have to report himself as such to the officials. Baltimore ran a play, completing a pass to Urschel, which would have resulted in first and goal for the Ravens. However, the play was called back for illegal formation, because Urschel was on the end of the line of scrimmage and not covered up by a tight end or wide receiver.
The problem was, Urschel did make the universal signal of wiping down the front of the jersey as he ran onto the field.
After watching the replay, Mike Pereira, former NFL Vice President of Officiating, was convinced Urschel did enough to declare himself an eligible receiver on the play.
I am very perplexed how the referee did not interpret that as reporting. He has to do it before entering the huddle, but he did.
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) October 27, 2015
Real Mea Culpa on my part….I would not have believed that 64 had reported. Hard to understand. 64 did what he was supposed to do. Crazy.
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) October 27, 2015
I honestly would not have believed it with the replay showing it. Quit killing me. Let's move on.
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) October 27, 2015
While the NFL remains immensely popular, its officials have been roundly criticized this season for incorrect or missed calls. We can now add another one to the list.
