Any forward pass (legal or illegal) is incomplete and the ball is dead immediately if the pass strikes the ground or goes out of bounds. An incomplete pass is a loss of down, and the ball returns to the previous spot.
Note: If there is any question whether a forward pass is complete, intercepted, or incomplete, it is to be ruled incomplete.
A fumble is any act, other than a pass or kick, which results in a loss of player possession.
Exception: If a runner intentionally fumbles forward, it is a forward pass (3-22).
Item 1. Recovery and Advance. Any player of either team may recover or catch a fumble and advance, either before or after the ball strikes the ground.
A fumble is any act, other than a pass or kick, which results in a loss of player possession.
Exception: If a runner intentionally fumbles forward, it is a forward pass (3-22).
Item 1. Recovery and Advance. Any player of either team may recover or catch a fumble and advance, either before or after the ball strikes the ground.
Item 1. Down by Contact. Whether a player was down by contact while in possession of the ball.