What happens if the punting team touches the ball?

If the receiving team drops the ball or touches the ball beyond the line of scrimmage without catching it then it is considered a live ball and may be recovered by either team. If the receiving team never had full possession, it is considered to be a muffed punt rather than a fumble.

When can the receiving team touch the ball?

Article 4. (c) A player of the kicking team may legally touch, catch, or recover the ball if: it first touches a receiving team player; or. it reaches or crosses the receiving team’s restraining line.

Is a punt after a safety a live ball?

On a normal punt, letting the ball drop would be fine, as the ball first has to touch a member of a receiving team before it becomes live. But because the punt after a safety is a free kick, the ball was live when it hit the ground, and Browns players pounced on it unopposed to retake possession.

Does the receiving team have to let the ball go 10 yards?

The receiving team must line up a minimum of 10 yards from where the ball is kicked. Members of the kicking team can recover the ball after the kick travels 10 yards or the ball touches an opponent. If the kicked ball goes out of bounds before traveling 10 yards, the kicking team is penalized 5 yards and must rekick.

Can punting team recover a blocked punt?

In #DENvsDAL, the punt is blocked & goes beyond the line of scrimmage, where it’s touched by the receiving team. Since the receiving team touches the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, the kicking team is eligible to recover the ball.

Can kicking team advance blocked punt?

A punt or field goal that is blocked and remains behind the line of scrimmage can be picked up and advanced by either team. The kicking team can down the ball but not advance it unless first touched by the defense after it crosses the line. The defense can pick up the ball and run with it or let it roll dead.

Does the receiving team have to wait 10 yards?

The receiving team must stay behind the line that is 10 yards from where the ball is placed. The ball can be fielded by the receiving team at any point after it has been kicked, or by the kicking team after it has traveled 10 yards or has been touched by a member of the receiving team.

Does the receiving team have to touch the ball on a kickoff?

A kickoff is illegal unless it travels 10 yards OR is touched by the receiving team. Once the ball is touched by the receiving team or has gone 10 yards, it is a free ball. Receivers may recover and advance.