So Pats fans are all happy this rule exists, and it seems to have been properly applied in Sunday's win against the Jets
The rule basically states that if a team fumbles the ball into and out of the endzone (over the side line or the end line) that it's a Touchback and the other team takes over on the 20 yard line.
I understand that you need a rule to make it impossible for a team to intentionally fumble the ball forward and out of bounds for a touchdown, but is giving the ball to the other team at their 20 yard line the appropriate response? What are the alternatives?
Should the fumbling team get the ball at the point of the fumble? Should the other team get it there? Should the fumbling team get the ball at the 20? The 10? Elsewhere?
What is fairest?
The rule basically states that if a team fumbles the ball into and out of the endzone (over the side line or the end line) that it's a Touchback and the other team takes over on the 20 yard line.
I understand that you need a rule to make it impossible for a team to intentionally fumble the ball forward and out of bounds for a touchdown, but is giving the ball to the other team at their 20 yard line the appropriate response? What are the alternatives?
Should the fumbling team get the ball at the point of the fumble? Should the other team get it there? Should the fumbling team get the ball at the 20? The 10? Elsewhere?
What is fairest?