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False Start

Definition

It is a False Start if the ball has been placed ready for play, and, prior to the snap, an offensive player who has assumed a set position charges or moves in such a way as to simulate the start of a play, or if an offensive player who is in motion makes a sudden movement toward the line of scrimmage. Any quick abrupt movement by a single offensive player, or by several offensive players in unison, which simulates the start of the snap, is a false start. Exceptions: This does not apply to an offensive player under the center who turns his head or shoulders, unless the movement is an obvious attempt to draw an opponent offside.

Outcome

Loss of five yards from the line of scrimmage. The foul is enforced prior to the snap.

2009 Stats

Overall Totals By Team

There was an average of 21.41 False Start penalties per team league wide.

Scroll left and right for additional columns.
 AgainstBeneficiary
NameGamesCountYards LostDismissedHomeAwayCountYards GainedDismissedHomeAway
Arizona1821100010113316201023
Atlanta161785089221090157
Baltimore1822107061617850611
Buffalo1632148017152311201112
Carolina16189008101782098
Chicago16261300141219890910
Cincinnati172613109172412001212
Cleveland1618870135271220819
Dallas182914502093015001515
Denver1621106011101365049
Detroit1626124016102311501310
Green Bay1723115013102411901410
Houston161782098261200179
Indianapolis1919900127209701010
Jacksonville1615720871471086
Kansas City1623113015818900117
Oakland162512309162110201110
St. Louis1624120010141260066
San Diego1720100110102914601811
Miami16188908101151074
Minnesota182814002082814001513
New England17178501071572087
New Orleans191990011820990119
N.Y. Giants161364085221110319
N.Y. Jets19271290121520971713
Philadelphia1726130010163115301417
Pittsburgh1612600571884099
San Francisco1618810992110501011
Seattle1622110081421990174
Tampa Bay162311406171890099
Tennessee16198701183014501812
Washington1621103071418880711
Totals2676853350134334268533501342343