It is not a clean block. You cannot argue with the rule. If the rule was different, that would be another case. If the receiver touches the ball first or catches it first, that is another case.
But if Welker slams into Talib BEFORE the receiver touches the ball, it is NOT a “clean block”, it is a penalty. It doesn’t make any difference whether it is a timing play or not, that is completely irrelevant to the point. It IS of course a timing play, but if he fails to execute the timing correctly, it doesn’t become a legal hit because he didn’t really mean to mis-time it. His intention has no bearing whatsoever.
Do not confuse the characterization of Welker’s hit as “illegal” (which it clearly is) with it being “dirty” or “intentional”. I am sure Wes didn’t mean to hit Talib before the ball was touched, and he sure didn’t try to injure him in my opinion.
The issue here is not whether or not the penalty was called. That is irrelevant. Did you even hear a single peep out of me about it not being called a penalty?
No. You couldn’t have, because I didn’t.
What I DO have an issue with is people STATING it was a “clean block” when it is 100% clearly and unequivocally NOT a “clean block”.
And this is not about having or not having sympathy for the Patriots, Belichick or starving children in Biafra. That is irrelevant here, who is looking for sympathy?
This related discussion on this thread is about the fact of what happened on that particular play and nothing else.
When I say "clean block"... I'm only intending to say it wasn't "dirty".. or a "cheap shot".
I agree with you that, technically... Welker's hit was a fraction of a second too early. By rule, that SHOULD have been a penalty.
However, I think the timing was SO CLOSE, that I give the referee the benefit of the doubt. It was very hard to tell in real time. Especially if, you were watching the ball.
The NFL disagrees with you. They said the hit was legal.
Play the video and you’ll see their official explanation.