AboutJim 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
Question a week ago patrick crayton got a penalty for when he kicked the ball out of bounds whats the offficial rule on that
Answer tj,
This is one of the standard "gimmick" plays for special teams in the NFL. There is no special rule that was created for the situation. However, the rule for catching a forward pass covers all of the mediating circumstances.
Here's the deal ... If the kicker boots the ball that is close to the out-of-bounds line, the kickoff returner will position himself so that part of his body is out-of-bounds. If he catches the ball, while being out of bounds, he is considered out-of-bounds. Hence, the kicking team is penalized for kicking the ball out of bounds. The return team will start their possession from their 40 yard line. That's pretty good field position.
The trick is to be sure that the ball is catchable while straddling the line. If the kickoff returner should miss or muff the kickoff, the returning team would be penalized for ineligible player fielding a kickoff (since the returner cannot be the first to touch the ball if he has stepped out of bounds)
I hope this answers your question.
Best wishes,
Jim Considine
