Just plain ugly

[SmootSmack]

Let's ask Jerry

When a quarterback calls an audible that forces multiple players to shift, bringing the fullback into a splitback formation and moving an X receiver to the slot, what keeps this from garnering a flag for illegal motion? I was under the impression that if two or more players where in motion on offense at the same time, this was a penalty. --Richie

A shift is the action of two or more offensive players, who prior to the snap, after having assumed a set position, simultaneously change the position of their feet by pivoting to or assuming a set position with either one foot or both feet. Any number of offensive players can change positions, as you describe. But all must be stationary for one full second when the ball is snapped. Only one offensive player can be legally in motion when the ball is snapped. It's a penalty for two or more players in motion only if they fail to stop before the snap.

Ask Jerry Markbreit on ChicagoSports.com