The NFL sent a memo to all 32 teams on Tuesday to remind players to “clearly” report as eligible receivers after a controversial officiating decision ended Saturday’s Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys game.
It’s one of the few advantages the defense gets. They only have to worry about 5 potential pass catchers, and also those 5 ineligible receivers are not allowed to block downfield before a completion.
Would it maybe be simpler just to have everyone be an eligible receiver, and not have people reporting at all?
There’s maybe a good reason not to do this, but I can’t think of one.
It’s one of the few advantages the defense gets. They only have to worry about 5 potential pass catchers, and also those 5 ineligible receivers are not allowed to block downfield before a completion.
Thank you for this explanation, I was always confused by the need to report as eligible
Ah ok, thanks. That makes sense, even if it does create other problems! :-)