Do you get passing yards for pass interference?

By Jason Bolton December 14, 2023 06:52

Pass interference is a common penalty in American football that occurs when a defensive player interferes with an eligible receiver's ability to make a catch. It is a substantial infraction, and the consequences can greatly impact the outcome of a game. However, one question that often arises is whether the offense is awarded passing yards for pass interference. In this article, we will examine the rules and regulations surrounding pass interference and shed light on the attribution of passing yards in such instances.

Understanding Pass Interference

Pass interference occurs when a defensive player impedes the progress of an eligible receiver by making contact before the ball arrives, obstructing the receiver's ability to catch the pass. This penalty is typically called against the defense, although offensive pass interference can also occur. The primary objective of the rule is to ensure that the game is played fairly and prevent defenders from gaining an unfair advantage by hindering receivers.

Impact of Pass Interference on the Game

Pass interference can have a significant impact on the game, both for the teams involved and the individual players. For the offense, a pass interference call can result in a substantial yardage gain and a fresh set of downs. This can be particularly advantageous in crucial situations, such as third downs or when the offense is in the red zone. On the other hand, for the defense, pass interference can lead to penalties, and the opposing offense gaining an advantage in terms of field position and momentum.

Attribution of Passing Yards

In the NFL, when a pass interference penalty is called, the offense is awarded a penalty yardage gain. However, these yards are not counted towards the quarterback's passing statistics. The reason for this differentiation is to ensure that the quarterback's passing performance accurately reflects their ability to complete passes and gain yardage without any external interference. By excluding pass interference yards from the quarterback's statistics, the league maintains a fair and consistent method of evaluating passing performance.

The Role of Penalty Yardage

When a pass interference penalty is called, the offense is awarded a specific amount of penalty yardage. The exact yardage gained varies depending on the severity of the infraction and the location on the field where the penalty occurred. The penalty yardage is typically determined by the officials based on the rules and guidelines established by the league. This yardage gain is added to the offense's total yardage for that drive, helping them advance closer to the opposing team's end zone.

Impact on Individual Players

Pass interference penalties can also impact individual players' statistics. For instance, a wide receiver who draws multiple pass interference calls may not receive credit for the yards gained through penalties. These yards would have otherwise been counted as receiving yards, contributing to the receiver's individual performance. Similarly, a defensive player who frequently commits pass interference penalties may face consequences such as fines, suspensions, or a negative impact on their overall reputation.

The Importance of Consistency

Consistency in enforcing pass interference penalties is crucial to maintaining fairness and integrity in the game. Officials must apply the rules consistently to ensure that all teams are treated equally and that the outcome of the game is not unduly influenced by subjective calls. The NFL has, in recent years, implemented a system of reviewing pass interference calls through instant replay to enhance the accuracy of the calls made on the field. This review system aims to reduce errors and ensure that the correct penalties are assessed.

Controversies Surrounding Pass Interference

Despite efforts to enforce pass interference penalties consistently, controversies inevitably arise. There have been instances where questionable calls or non-calls of pass interference have sparked heated debates among fans, players, and coaches. In fact, the controversy surrounding a missed pass interference call in the 2018 NFC Championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints led to significant discussions about the need for rule changes and increased use of instant replay.

Pass interference is a penalty that can significantly impact the outcome of an American football game. While the offense is awarded penalty yardage for pass interference, these yards are not credited to the quarterback's passing statistics. This distinction ensures that the quarterback's performance is evaluated based on their ability to complete passes and gain yardage without external interference. Consistent enforcement of pass interference penalties, aided by instant replay review, helps maintain fairness and integrity in the game.