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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.

2019 Stats

Penalties By Week

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

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WeekGamesTotal CountPenalty YardsHomeAwayDeclinedOffsetting
1167973411
2162300200
3161150100
4152301100
7141150100
8153311200
9141150100
10131150100
11141151000
12143450300
1316000001
1416180101
17164553100
Totals1952737191813

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
1160.446.060.190.250.060.06
2160.131.8800.1300
3160.060.9400.0600
4150.1320.070.0700
7140.071.0700.0700
8150.22.070.070.1300
9140.071.0700.0700
10130.081.1500.0800
11140.071.070.07000
12140.213.2100.2100
1316000000.06
14160.060.500.0600.06
17160.253.440.190.0600
Totals1951.7724.460.591.190.060.18