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About Jim Considine
Expertise
I can answer statistical questions about professional football. I am especially strong on the subject of the Baltimore Colts from 1947 through 1983, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens. My services are best used when an older, obscure question is posed. The newer NFL records are easily accessible through www.NFL.com I do not appraise memorabilia. I am not an expert on Canadian Football, though I will take a shot at any questions you might I have a good understanding and recall of the folklore about Baltimore football. Some of this information may be subjective in nature. I will give the best answer possible if this is the case.

Experience
I am an NFL Statistician with the Washington Redskins. I grew up during the days of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960's. (Please refer to the movie "Diner" for more information about the Baltimore Colts fans)

Organizations
Washington Redskins Statistician, 2005-present Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2003

Publications
The records were used by author Jon Morgan in his book, "Glory For Sale". The records have been part of the Baltimore Ravens Media Guides since their inaugural season in 1996. I was interviewed for the cover story of The Press Box, a local, monthly sports tabloid newspaper. http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=5594

Education/Credentials
I researched and was able to piece together the statistical history of the AAFC Baltimore Colts 1947-49, and the 1950 NFL Colts. This information was used by The Baltimore Ravens for their 1996 Media Guide. The records were entitled "Baltimore Football Records". It was considered "unofficial" since the AAFC league records were not incorporated with the NFL records when the leagues merged. The reason that this information was created was due to the fact that the NFL had prohibited the 1996 Baltimore Ravens from bringing the records, colors, and team name from the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore football records were presented in order to create a frame of reference. The Ravens have kept these records since 1996, adding and amending as the Ravens football team challenge these records.

Awards and Honors
I was awarded two game balls from the Ravens and was recognized for my work as the top game day employee.

Past/Present Clients
Baltimore Ravens, Wise Guides, Washington Redskins

You are here: Experts > Sports > Football > Football Trivia (General) > Veer Option

Football Trivia (General) - Veer Option

Expert: Jim Considine - 10/1/2009

Question
A team runs the veer option; they are on the 50 yard line. The QB keeps the ball and runs 25 yards. The RB keeps pitch relationship. Right before the QB gets tackled, he pitches the ball back to the running back who runs the final 30 yards (of course the extra 5 yards because of the pitch) for the TD. Does the QB get 25 yards? Does the RB get 30 yards? Does the RB get the complete 50 yards? Thank you.

Answer
Hello,
Good question ... But I need some clarification on one matter ... are we talking about NCAA or NFL?
Jim Considine
jimconsidine@gmail.com

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JJ,
I've not heard back from you so I will answer this question assuming this is an NFL game. The QB and RB are credited for running 25 and 30 yards respectively. The additional five yards is accounted for by subtracting it from the total rushing yards for the team. The negative five yards are regarded as an anomaly. The yards are treated as "no accounting for these yards". The five yards becomes an asterisk rather than being deleted from a player's total.
Your example is good for explanation, but seldom does a pitch back (aka a backwards pass) work as intended. However, a team that fumbles (aka muff) the ball and another member of the team recovers the ball behind the line of scrimmage is an example that happens with more frequency.
It gets real fun when the fumble is recovered by Team A and advances the ball until Team B strips the ball and recovers the muffed ball. Team B then advances the ball, trips and fumbles the ball out of bounds. When something like this happens, the statisticians will be looking to jump out of a window.
Another example of an unaccounted for gain or loss is when a referee spots the ball incorrectly. Imagine a five yard penalty being stepped off. We always round the spot of the ball up to the next yard line (except at the goal line). There are no fractions. Occasionally a referee will spot the ball so that the actual spot of the ball may be four or six yards beyond the original line of scrimmage.
Hope this answers your question.
Jim Considie

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