Did Ravens kicker break NFL rule before kicking game-winning field goal?

The Baltimore Ravens beat the Denver Broncos in the NFL playoffs on Saturday 38-35 on a 47-yard field goal by Justin Tucker in double overtime. An interception by Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning gave the Ravens great field position, and they didn’t squander it.

But they may have broken an NFL rule on their way to the win.

After the end of the first overtime, the teams changed directions.  During the stop in play, Tucker came onto the field and had an assistant coach hold for him while he lined up a long field goal.  In the video above, you see Broncos corner Champ Bailey question it.  CBS color commentator Dan Dierdorf said that the whole officiating crew was watching Tucker kick it.

Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely is sure that it’s against NFL rules:

However, the almighty Mike Pereira (Former Vice President of Officiating in the National Football League turned current Rules Analyst at FOX Sports) confirmed otherwise…

Then the two had a back and forth…

 

Then Pereira put his foot down (in the sand)…

So they’re told “not to do it” but it isn’t a penalty.  Interesting concept.  It sounds like a pretty giant grey area and of course it would only happen in a giant-sized playoff game – the only games where there’d be a second overtime.  Get Mr. Goodell on line one please…