Redskins Cowboys post game

[Skinzman]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

The play was over once he had possession in the end zone, therefore no fumble. Just like a play ends once the ball crosses the stripe.

The play only ends that way when the offense crosses the goal line. Its a change of possession in the end zone. The defender can get up and try to run it out or declare himself down and get the ball at the 20. Same for kickoffs or punts that are caught in the end zone. He could have gotten up and ran around the end zone if he wanted, had he been tackled, its a touchback as long as he never leaves the end zone.

Having said that, if he does get up and run even without stepping out of the end zone then a fumble is live (so is the right to hit him). If that fumble hadnt gone out of bounds last night on the int, then its a refs decision as to whether he was declaring himself down (no fumble) or was he still live (fumble).

Editing to add: Since it was a 'possession change in the end zone' (yes... thats an important distinction), fumbling out of bounds is a touchback, not a safety.