The fix is in...roughing the snapper called on Carolina. Literally the first time that has ever been called
Illegal Personal Contact - Roughing the Snapper
Rule 9 Section 4
Art. 6. Roughing the snapper. A defensive player shall not charge directly into the snapper when the offensive team is in a scrimmage-kick formation.
Scrimmage Kick Formation
Rule 2 Section 14
Art. 2. A scrimmage-kick formation is a formation with at least one player 7 yards or more behind the neutral zone and in position to receive the long snap. No player may be in position to receive a hand-to-hand snap from between the snapper's legs.
"A defensive player shall not charge directly into the snapper when the offensive team is in a scrimmage-kick formation."
rovides two criteria that exonerate B from roughing the snapper: (1) B may charge the gap, and (2) make simultaneous contact with the snapper and the lineman next to him. The problem is that the case play repeats that "simultaneous contact" is permissible.
The purpose of the rule is to protect the neck of the snapper. His snap makes him vulnerable to direct contact as his neck in not in a proper position of strength in order to take on a direct hit.
Fedora did tell the media what Otis said to him though: He said I dont think I hit him too early. I know his head was up. It wasnt too early.