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Lowering the Head to Initiate Contact

Definition

It is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent. The rule applies to all players on the field at all times, and contact does not have to be to an opponent's head or neck area; lowering the head and initiating contact to an opponent's torso, hips or lower body is also a penalty.

Outcome

15 yards. If committed on defense; automatic first down. The player may be disqualified.

2018 Stats

Penalties By Week

Note: Offsetting and Declined penalties are ignored, except where specified.

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WeekGamesTotal CountPenalty YardsHomeAwayDeclinedOffsetting
2161111000
3162302000
7141151000
11131101000
13163451200
14164601300
15161150100
16162302000
17161151000
Totals1391623110600

Penalties By Week - Per Game

Note: Offsetting and Declined penalties are ignored, except where specified.

Scroll left and right for additional columns.
WeekGamesTotal CountPenalty YardsHomeAwayDeclinedOffsetting
2160.060.690.06000
3160.131.880.13000
7140.071.070.07000
11130.080.770.08000
13160.192.810.060.1300
14160.253.750.060.1900
15160.060.9400.0600
16160.131.880.13000
17160.060.940.06000
Totals1391.0314.730.650.3800