The Seattle Seahawks didn’t use an illegal formation during the onside kick during the team’s comeback against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game, as was suggested by numerous Twitter users on Thursday. Dean Blandino, the vice-president of NFL officiating, issued a response later on Thursday, saying the formation was fine and was perfectly legal.
He wrote on Twitter that the “rule changed in 09. At least 4 players must be on each side of the ball. 3 must be outside hash, and 1 outside numbers. Rule 6-1-3 (c).”
“Rule states you must have at least 4 players on either side of the ball. Formation was legal,” he added.
Rule changed in 09. At least 4 players must be on each side of the ball. 3 must be outside hash, and 1 outside numbers. Rule 6-1-3 (c)
— Dean Blandino (@DeanBlandino) January 22, 2015
The team used a “6-man wedge” during the kick, as a number of Twitter users pointed out.
BB: If you ain’t cheatin’, you ain’t tryin’ RT: FO_ScottKacsmar: Seahawks had illegal 6-man wedge on onside kick. pic.twitter.com/7F3t04skjH
— Pete Barrows (@RePete20) January 22, 2015
The NFL did eliminate wedge formations on kickoffs prior to the 2009 season. However, it doesn’t appear to be a wedge formation, as the players’ hands and arms aren’t interlocked.
Football Outsiders’ Scott Kacsmar pointed out the formation on Thursday.
2009 rule change made it to where maximum of 5 players can line up on one side of kicker on onside. http://t.co/dqQsaAVfPM
— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) January 22, 2015
But yeah some others I looked at went 5 by side or a 4-2 alignment on one side. Lots of ways to do it. @ProsFB @JordanHeckFF
— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) January 22, 2015
You would think a 6-man bunch would be the most effective way to do it. @ProsFB @JordanHeckFF
— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) January 22, 2015
