NFL might outlaw sneaky intentional holding play Ravens used vs. Bengals
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh pulled an old trick out of his proverbial bag against the Cincinnati Bengals last week on the final play of the game. On fourth down with 11 seconds left and the Ravens leading by seven, Harbaugh called for his team to intentionally hold everyone on defense, allowing the punter to run out the clock.
Sam Koch took a safety on the play, thus ending the game, but the NFL may put an end to plays like that one. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the NFL competition committee will review Harbaugh’s call to determine if intentional holding will be allowed in 2017.
This isn’t the first time intentional holding has worked in a team’s favor. Harbaugh also called a similar play in the Super Bowl, purposely taking a safety to run out the clock and seal Baltimore’s victory.
Earlier this season, Chip Kelly had his team essentially tackle every receiver on the line, giving Drew Brees no targets to throw to at the end of the first half. As a result, the Saints were forced to settle for a field goal rather than taking a shot at the end zone before halftime.
Both instances were examples of heady coaching, but the competition committee may not want plays like that ending games.
