I definitely think they (offensive picks) happen; my stance with penalties is that when an obvious one directly affects the outcome of a play, it needs to be called. I was coaching in a close game this past fall where we got a holding call in our favor (CB was being obviously held on a run that went for 20 yards late in the game). The other coach was arguing it, saying it was off the play, that kind of stuff happens all the time, and I’ll never forget the official’s response- “Coach, he (ballcarrier) ran *right by* him (kid getting held).” I would see the other coach’s point if the hold happened opposite the carry, but not when it significantly contributes to the outcome of a play...obviously stuff like unsportsmanlike conduct needs to be called every time.
One of my biggest beefs with the KC play was the WR didn’t even appear to attempt to disguise what he was doing. I played OL/DL in organized football but played enough street ball to know that you can run a crossing route, run straight at a defender, then move away at the last second or happen to ‘bump shoulders accidentally’ and no matter how much the defense argues, they’re not going to win the debate (I’ve been on both sides of it). The dude on KC didn’t even look like he was running a pattern. He cut in, ran one guy over 4 yards downfield (had it been on the line then whatever, that’s life) then intentionally engaged JMac before the ball was even thrown. If he continued on the in/crossing route he could have maybe played it off, but he changed direction and went straight at JMac, which was a dead giveaway.
Joe P.