Sean McVay understandably frustrated by confusing fake punt penalty

Sean McVay took the high road when asked about the penalty that negated the Rams’ fake punt. “I’m not gonna say anything and get fined.”

For the first time in almost two full years, Sean McVay called a fake punt with Johnny Hekker. It came in the first quarter of Sunday’s game against the Giants when the Rams were facing fourth-and-11 and trailing New York 3-0.

The play worked to perfection, with Hekker hitting Ben Skowronek – who was left wide open –along the left sideline for a 15-yard gain and a first down. But of course, a flag was thrown just after Hekker released the ball.

Officials took a minute to sort things out and discuss the penalty before the referee announced the call without much specificity.

“There are fouls by both teams on the play. Unsportsmanlike conduct, Giants. Unsportsmanlike conduct, Rams. Those penalties offset. Fourth down.”

There were no numbers of the players who committed the fouls given. No explanation of what the penalty was actually for or why both teams were flagged. It was a bizarre situation all the way around, one that left Sean McVay confused and frustrated.

“Me too. Me too,” McVay said after the game when told reporters were scratching their heads about the call. It was, uh – I’m not gonna say anything and get fined. Head scratcher is a good way to describe it.”

McVay took the high road and avoided criticizing the officials for a play that ultimately didn’t impact the outcome of the game thankfully, but he was visibly mad on the sideline when attempting to get an explanation. Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis was, too.

Though the NFL hasn’t officially given an explanation for the penalties, the flag was likely thrown for an “illegal hideout.” Essentially, it prevents teams from sneaking players onto the field near their own sideline, which may have been the reason for the flag.

Here’s another explanation of the rule, which says teams can’t have “an offensive player lining up or going in motion less than 5 yards from the sideline in front of his team’s designated bench area.”

“However, an offensive player is permitted to line up less than 5 yards from the sidelines on the same side as his team’s player bench, provided he is not in front of the designated bench area.”

It’s all very confusing and probably not a rule that’s enforced often, and it still doesn’t explain why the Giants were called for a penalty on the same play. The lack of clarity from the league is the worst part, giving no official explanation of what happened.

Maybe the NFL will come out and explain what the Rams did wrong – and why the Giants were penalized. But in all likelihood, nothing else will be said.

It was a bizarre play that could’ve hurt the Rams’ chances of winning, had they not gone on to score 38 unanswered points against the Giants.

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