The Minnesota Vikings returned two blocked punts for touchdowns in Sunday's 31-13 win over the Carolina Panthers, becoming the first team since the 1975 Detroit Lions to have multiple punt-block touchdowns in a single game, per ESPN Stats & Info.
Can you return a blocked punt?
The league went on to explain why, via Twitter. "The punt is blocked and 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 you block an extra point and run it back for a touchdown?
Under the new PAT rule adopted before last season, the defense can return a blocked extra point attempt for two points. Last year, the Saints scored the first ever defensive two-point conversion in NFL history.
Can you recover a blocked punt for a first down?
Essentially, this is like a muffed punt. Once a player on the receiving team touches the ball past the line of scrimmage, the kicking team can recover the ball for a first down.
What happens if you block a punt out of the endzone?
Re: blocked punt out of endzone
With a block, the ball plays the player. With a bat, the player plays the ball. It's very similar to the volleyball rule on blocking in the opponent's court space.
28 related questions foundIs a blocked punt a fumble recovery?
On a punt the offensive team has possession of the ball until it crosses the line of scrimmage. Any ball blocked behind the line of scrimmage is treated as a fumble and can be recovered and advanced by either team.
Can you run into the kicker if you block the punt?
Rule Summary View Official Rule. No defensive player may run into or rough a kicker who kicks from behind the line unless such contact: is incidental to and occurs after the defender has touched the kick in flight.
Can you return a punt?
Return. A punt return is one of the receiving team's options to respond to a punt. A player positioned about 35–45 yards from the line of scrimmage (usually a wide receiver or return specialist) will attempt to catch or pick up the ball after it is punted by the opposing team's punter.
Is a blocked punt considered a turnover?
Blocking a punt is also not considered a turnover in the NFL. It is not clear of the reasoning why a turnover statistic does not include this as a turnover because it does not involve the offense. As turnover numbers are often used when judging an offenses ability to protect the ball.
Can a punter catch his own 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.
Can you advance a blocked extra point?
Once a blocked extra point goes beyond the line of scrimmage and is secured by the offense, it is a dead ball. The defense can pick up the ball and advance it as long as the ball has not touched the end zone or gone out of bounds.
Can you advance a blocked PAT?
A blocked field goal that crosses the line of scrimmage may be advanced only by the defense. If the ball is muffed or fumbled, however, it's a free ball. On a blocked PAT in an NFL game, the ball is immediately dead. Neither team is allowed to advance it.
Can a 2-point conversion be returned?
What happens if you intercept a two-point conversion try? A defensive team is eligible to score on an offensive two-point conversion attempt. If the offense turns the ball over, via interception or fumble, the defense has the opportunity to return the ball to the opposite end zone. If they make it, it's two points.
Can you advance your own punt?
So, the punt team gains possession of the ball, but can't advance it.
What happens if the offense can't get 10 yards in the allowed amount of downs?
If the offense fails to travel the 10 yards (gets to a first down) in all tries and gets to the fourth down, it either has to turn the ball over to the other team by punting or attempting a field goal.
What happens when you turn over on downs?
In gridiron football, a turnover on downs occurs when a team's offense has used all their downs but has not progressed downfield enough to earn another set of downs. The resulting turnover gives possession of the ball to the team currently on defense.
How many points is a touchdown worth?
Points are scored as follows: Touchdown: 6 points. Field Goal: 3 points. Safety: 2 points.
Can a punter return his own punt?
Yes, when punting the punter himself as well as any of his teammates have the option to catch the ball. Though when a punt is caught by the punting team they do not remain in possession of the ball.
Can you return a punt from the endzone?
A blocked punt goes back into the end zone and the defensive team intentionally bats or kicks the ball out the back of the end zone. The offense must decline the penalty.
What is the difference between a kick return and a punt return?
While kickoff returners need to follow their blockers, see the hole, and hit it, punt returners usually have to elude a tackler or two immediately. They cannot build up speed before they must cut left and right.
Can you push a blocker into the punter?
Blockers don't have to worry about penalties if someone shoves them into the Kicker or if a foul occurs by the kicking team that causes the contact. Finally, the opposing team can legally hit if the kicker goes to the ground to recover a loose ball.
Can you punt the ball after a block?
A: "When a kick, field goal attempt or punt is blocked and the ball stays behind the line of scrimmage, if the offense recovers the ball, it can run, pass or kick." USA Football Rules Editor Bill LeMonnier is a former college football referee who currently serves as an ESPN NCAA rules analyst.
Can you tackle a punter?
According to the rulebook, kickers and punters are technically "defenseless" players at all times. That means they can't be hit in the head or neck, and can't be blocked with a helmet-first hit, even if they are trying to make a tackle on a return.
Can you run back a blocked field goal in the NFL?
A blocked field goal return is a regular touchdown, and it is worth six points, plus the chance for an extra point or two-point conversion. On field goal attempts, once the snap is made, the ball is considered to be in play no matter what.
Can an NFL team score 1 point?
The one-point safety is so rare, it's NEVER happened in the NFL. According to the NFL's scoring rules under Section 11-3-2-C, the rare one-point safety is awarded when a safety occurs by either team during a “try,” or a point after try such as a two-point conversion or extra point attempt.
