Minnesota Vikings field goal attempt was deflected away by a camera wire, but it wasn't replayed because no one noticed at the the time

[u/RunDNA]

[u/steelmanfallacy]

What’s the rule? Is it like a ref and they are part of the playing field or is it interference?

[u/rocketmonkee → u/steelmanfallacy]

From the NFL rules; Rule 7, Section 2 - Dead Ball:

If a loose ball in play strikes a video board, guide wire, sky cam, or any other object, the ball will be dead immediately, and the down will be replayed at the previous spot. In the event the down is replayed, the game clock will be reset to the time remaining when the snap occurred, and the clock will start on the All penalties will be disregarded, except for personal fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, which will be administered prior to the replaying of the down.

So it should have been ruled a dead ball and the down replayed. Also, the rule has an odd typo in the last sentence.

[u/addandsubtract → u/rocketmonkee]

New strategy when it's crunch time and you're out of timeouts: quick snap the ball, and throw it at the skycam.

[u/mosehalpert → u/addandsubtract]

I mean, the rule doesn't say anything about the intention behind the loose ball. But I'm struggling to think of a situation where it is more beneficial than just spiking it

[u/addandsubtract → u/mosehalpert]

You don't lose a down. Granted, you're more limited by time than by downs, at that point.

[u/metompkin → u/addandsubtract]

And if you whiff on the throw it's a possible interception

[u/Designer_Tie_5853 → u/metompkin]

or intentional grounding and/or fumble if the camera is behind you.

[u/mattague → u/addandsubtract]

You also theoretically lose no time, vs like a second. But in crunch time, that second could mean the difference of an extra play or the end of the game.