[milkman]

Originally Posted by Rain Man

So back on that whole thing about having a running back just throw the ball out of bounds on wide runs if he's going to take a loss...

I see no reason why he can't do it. Here's the rule section on intentional grounding.

Maybe running backs don't do it because they're going to try to make a play and therefore the only scenario to do it would be if someone is already on them, in which case it's risky that you'll fumble on the throw. Or maybe coaches just want running backs to wrap up the ball. I think I'd have my running back ground it, though.



Section 2 Intentional Grounding
DEFINITION
Article 1 Definition. It is a foul for intentional grounding if a passer, facing an imminent loss of yardage
because of pressure from the defense, throws a forward pass without a realistic chance of completion. A
realistic chance of completion is defined as a pass that lands in the direction and the vicinity of an
originally eligible receiver.
Item 1: Passer or Ball Outside Tackle Position. Intentional grounding will not be called when a passer,
who is outside, or has been outside, the tackle position throws a forward pass that lands at or beyond
the line of scrimmage, even if no offensive player(s) have a realistic chance to catch the ball (including
when the ball lands out of bounds over the sideline or endline). If a loose ball leaves the area
bordered by the tackles, this area no longer exists; if the ball is recovered, all intentional grounding
rules apply as if the passer is outside this area.
Item 2: Physical Contact. Intentional grounding should not be called if:
(a) the passer initiates his passing motion toward an eligible receiver and then is significantly affected
by physical contact from a defensive player that causes the pass to land in an area that is not in the
direction and vicinity of an eligible receiver; or
(b) the passer is out of the pocket, and his passing motion is significantly affected by physical contact
from a defensive player that causes the ball to land short of the line of scrimmage.
Item 3: Stopping Clock. A player under center is permitted to stop the game clock legally to save time if,
immediately upon receiving the snap, he begins a continuous throwing motion and throws the ball
directly into the ground.
Item 4: Delayed Spike. A passer, after delaying his passing action for strategic purposes, is prohibited
from throwing the ball to the ground in front of him, even though he is under no pressure from
defensive rusher(s).

Again, I say, on a designed running play, if the runner throws the ball away, the team is likely ot be penalized for an illegal receiver downfield.