The Minnesota Vikings were driving down to potentially score a touchdown when Kirk Cousins hit Justin Jefferson on a corner route for 30 yards. Unfortunately, Jefferson tried to extend the ball over the goal line and he fumbled it over the pylon.
Why is that important? Doing so causes a touchback and turns it over to the other team.
Yes, that rule still exists. The NFL rulebook lays it out clearly.
Item 4. Out of Bounds in End Zone. When a fumble goes out of bounds in the end zone, the following shall apply:
- If a ball is fumbled in the field of play, and goes forward into the opponent’s end zone and over the end line or sideline, a touchback is awarded to the defensive team; or
- If a ball is fumbled in a team’s own end zone or in the field of play and goes out of bounds in the end zone, it is a safety, if that team provided the impetus that sent the ball into the end zone (See 11-5-1 for exception for momentum). If the impetus was provided by the opponent, it is a touchback.
How the NFL has this in the rulebook is ridiculous. Yes, it just happened to the Vikings and there is some bitterness. Nevertheless, the rule is abysmal. If you can’t advance the ball when you fumble it forward, then you shouldn’t be able to lose it by doing the same thing.
It’s time for the NFL to change the rule because quite frankly, it sucks.