[SoothingDave]

Are you trying to argue that the rule, as written (or at least as given in digest form on the web), makes this play a touchback?

Or are you arguing that in a "fair" world with perfect "justice" the play should have resulted in a touchback?

I and others have given numerous reason why, in the realm of "fair" play, the play must be a saftey and not a touchback.

So are you just arguing about the technicalities of the rules and what "impetus" means?

Are you arguing the letter of the law or the spirit of football?

[ml/nj]

Are you arguing the letter of the law or the spirit of football?

The letter of the law. I've said that several times. I'm not sure it's "fair" either to award a safety to the defending team. Maybe if someone had thought about this, they would return the ball to the spot where the fumble occurred.

ML/NJ