Quote:
Originally Posted by bearhawk72
The problem here, I think, if not where the guy lines up but more how much time does the defense get to scan it and make adjustments. Harbaugh's argument is there was too little time between the player reporting as ineligible and the ball being snapped.
The refs can and do stop the offense from snapping the ball at times to make sure the defense has time to substitute, but it is up to the refs how much time is reasonable.
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Officially, the offense has no obligation to allow the defense to make substitutions or prepare themselves for the next play. I've seen plenty of times where the offense tries to quickly line up and make the snap while the defense is subbing to either catch the defense off-guard or to draw a penalty of too many men on the field. That's just how football works, if the defense wants to substitute, that's the risk they take.