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He's not a defenseless player, that's not a penalty in this context. When you choose to return the ball and not FC, you're allowed space to catch the ball, but you have to be ready to be blasted. Tramon was low to the ground, not to defend a Chicago Bear (because fukk them), but I'm not sure what he's supposed to do in that instance? Patterson timed it right and Tramon fumbled, I'm more concerned about that. 

I thought it was gift flag that CHI has every right to complain about until I was reminded of the "halo" rule.  The returner is supposed to have "room to field the punt" typically meaning you can't have guys standing in your face inches away from you before you catch the ball.  Patterson wasn't doing exactly that but you could argue that he hit Tramon so quickly after the catch that he was too close for the split second before he caught it.  So if you freeze the frame where the ball is 3' from Tramon's arms, Patterson is already violating that "halo" of protection.

Or I'm just Zapbrudering the whole thing.

They got rid of the 2 yard Halo rule 10 or so ?  years ago. I guess the idea behind that was to increase player safety by encouraging fair catches so return guys don't get smoked in situations like this. Williams should have played it safe and signaled a fair catch. 

On the bright side, it's yet another play for Viking fans to piss and moan about on how the Refs and the NFL always favor GB no matter what.    LOL

In real time, I thought it was a flag for helmet-to-head contact. Then I thought it was a flag for hitting the returner too soon. But after seeing it over and over and reading the rule, I think Patterson made a perfect play and there should have been no foul. His helmet hits Tramon's shoulder, and he timed it beautifully as there is no "halo" any longer. (Read the Rule 10.) It was just a heck of a play by Patterson and a lousy play by Tramon and the ref. It just happened to go GB's way.

 

 

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