Why is spiking the ball not intentional grounding??

[dawgfan84]

I know this may be a stupid question, but just curious.

 

[skeptic]

Not avoiding a sack. intent

 

[thedog]

specific rule accounting for it. Back in the 60's and 70's the QB had to make the receiver run a route and throw in his general direction. The pros made it a rule that the QB could spike it and college followed.

 

[FlabLoser]

Back in the day, this was grounding. And instead of spiking it, QBs had to stand up real quick from center and throw it out of bounds. The changed the rule maybe for 2 reasons:

1) to make the game more competitive by giving the offense an easier way to stop the clock. Allowing a spike saves 1-2 seconds.

2) player safety. A QB is not going to get hurt spiking the ball. But in standing up right behind center and throwing out of bounds, the QB could get blind-sided by somebody jumping the snap and shooitng the gap or jumping over the center. I've never seen or heard about that happening, so this probably isn't the reason

 

[FlabLoser]

They didn't have to run a route. The QB could just take the snap, not drop back, and throw it directly out of bounds over the head of the WR who was still standing at the LOS.

 

[whatever.sixpack]

When the holders knee is down when holding for a FG, why is he not down!!!

 

[UpTheMiddlex3Punt]

Even on a fake he can have his knee down because there is a kicker behind him and they are in an obvious kick formation.<div>
</div><div id="aeaoofnhgocdbnbeljkmbjdmhbcokfdb-mousedown">And on the topic of grounding prior to the spiking rule, couldn't they have just had a RB behind a guard and the QB throw it at the RB's feet?</div>