HOU@TEN: Fly-by

Tennessee’s Van Jefferson flies above and beyond (but never in) the end zone, then lands nearly two yards wide of it. So after zooming above the goal line, Jefferson first contact is more than a yard out of bounds. 

This in essence makes the goal line wider than 160 feet (or 53.3 yards). The break-the-plane rule allows Jefferson to take an angle that gives him extra room to dodge defenders (how convenient), then land way wide of the designated scoring area. We realize we are in a minority, but touchdowns where the end zone goes untouched (just because some invisible plane has been crossed) seem so illogical to us. Hocus Bogus Rating: 3.5

GB@NYG: Stuffed

What is the job of the defense? Keep opposing ball carriers from reaching the end zone.

The Packers’ D succeeds at that. New York’s Jameis Winston never contacts the end. He briefly leans into its airspace, but is that a convincing maneuver? Who would you say won this play? Winston with his brief goal line bend? Or the Packers’ D, which barred Winston from entry?

The break-the-plane rule handed Winston six points for his goal line bend. That seems undeserved to us. Rating: 3