# NFL: Underinflated Balls? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [January 21, 2015, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515 "2015-01-21T20:17:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Inigo\_Montoya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/inigo_montoya/32/124_2.png) [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/1 "2015-01-21T20:17:25Z")
Does a mildly underinflated ball matter? Seems like it would be unfamiliar and thus harder to work with. ---
**Author:** ![TheSeaOtter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ed655f/32.png) [@TheSeaOtter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheSeaOtter)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/2 "2015-01-21T20:23:51Z")
While we’re on the subject, I’d like to know how an under-inflated ball is supposed to give an advantage to one team and not the other. Presumably the physics of the ball are consistent regardless of who’s holding it. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/3 "2015-01-21T20:28:11Z")
> [@TheSeaOtter](#): > > While we’re on the subject, I’d like to know how an under-inflated ball is supposed to give an advantage to one team and not the other. Presumably the physics of the ball are consistent regardless of who’s holding it. If one side regularly practices and plays with a underinflated ball it could make a difference. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/4 "2015-01-21T20:29:32Z")
> [@TheSeaOtter](#): > > While we’re on the subject, I’d like to know how an under-inflated ball is supposed to give an advantage to one team and not the other. Presumably the physics of the ball are consistent regardless of who’s holding it. [From this article.](http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4776756/patriots-should-be-held-accountable) > [@](#): > > Citing sources, Mortensen reports that of the **12 footballs weighed by officials** before Sunday’s AFC Championship game, **11 of them came in under-inflated by two pounds of air (PSI) when weighed either after or during** the Patriots’ 45-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Sounds like they were deflated after the Patriots took possession. Is the same ball used after a turnover or does the new offense bring in a new ball? ---
**Author:** ![OldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/3bc359/32.png) [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/5 "2015-01-21T20:31:03Z")
> [@TheSeaOtter](#): > > While we’re on the subject, I’d like to know how an under-inflated ball is supposed to give an advantage to one team and not the other. Presumably the physics of the ball are consistent regardless of who’s holding it. An underinflated ball is easier for a passer to control so it might benefit one term vs another depending on who the quarterbacks are. However, they switch balls often during the game so if the home team controls which ball get given to the ref when, that could mean the advantage is more than marginal. I’ve not read the story, but I believe it was a Colt who intercepted a pass who noticed the underinflated ball. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/6 "2015-01-21T20:35:15Z")
Easier to grip. Reduces fumbles and dropped passes. Downside - passes won’t carry as far, are more prone to wobble and wind effects. As for the advantage, from the Boston Globe: > [@](#): > > Each team uses its own football on offense — a 2013 New York Times article said that each team even has its own logo on the football when on offense — and teams are allowed to slightly doctor the footballs to their preference. “Rubbing up” the football with dirt to make it less slippery is common, and so is slightly adjusting the inflation levels. > > Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers likes to overinflate the football. When the Packers and Patriots played on Nov. 30, CBS broadcaster Phil Simms relayed a conversation he had with Rodgers. They are allowed to inflate it to anything between 12.5 and 13.5 PSI, and there is a 1/4 inch legal range for physical size of the ball, too. Presumably, Brady likes a softer ball, and they over-tweaked it a bit. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/7 "2015-01-21T20:55:37Z")
To reiterate - each team uses their own footballs on offense. So one team changing the pressure on their footballs wouldn’t impact the other team except in cases like an interception or a fumble where the defense gets to carry the offense’s footballs. As to why there are different balls for each team, it’s a long story and probably will end up being discontinued after this fiasco. ---
**Author:** ![Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/budget_player_cadet/32/205_2.png) [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/8 "2015-01-21T22:38:21Z")
_pleasebeasteroidthread pleasebeasteroidthread pleasebeasteroidthread_ _Dammit_! 😃 As for the actual issue at hand: welcome to “what can you get away with”, NFL edition. Didn’t south park do a whole episode on the patriots cheating? ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/9 "2015-01-21T22:49:19Z")
I had never even heard rumors abut doctored footballs in the NFL. But I’ve heard rumors like this in college football for years. Local Austin radio talk show host Jeff Ward was the Texas Longorns’ kicker 30 odd years ago, and he says (matter-of-factly, not angrily) that Barry Switzer used to play games with the balls all the time. He says Switzer would freeze footballs to make them harder to kick, for instance. Would that really work? I have no idea, just as I don’t know whether corked bats really help a hitter much in baseball- but guys do it, HOPING it will give them an edge. As it is, I expect Bill Belichick will get a hefty fine… but the Patriots beat the Colts so badly that no one is going to be too outraged. When the final score is 45-7, deflated balls are probably a minor factor. ---
**Author:** ![buddy431](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6a8cbe/32.png) [@buddy431](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buddy431)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/10 "2015-01-21T22:53:04Z")
The conventional wisdom is that an under-inflated ball is easier to handle, especially when it is raining and the ball is slippery (as it was for this game). And yeah, each team has their own balls for offense. It was only when an intercepted ball was given to the Colts’ equipment manager on the sidelines that the issue was raised. ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/11 "2015-01-21T22:55:52Z")
It seems as though this would be a huge disadvantage when you’re kicking though. Is that correct? And did NE seem to choose running/passing far more than usual? Astorian: If they use their own balls, why would he make them harder to kick on purpose? Or was he making them harder, and therefore easier to kick farther? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/12 "2015-01-21T22:59:27Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > It seems as though this would be a huge disadvantage when you’re kicking though. Is that correct? And did NE seem to **choose running/passing far more than usual?** > > Astorian: If they use their own balls, why would he make them harder to kick on purpose? Or was he making them harder, and therefore easier to kick farther? There’s another option? ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/13 "2015-01-21T22:59:34Z")
The NFL sets aside brand new balls that the officials put into play for kicks, so that’s not an issue. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/14 "2015-01-21T23:02:13Z")
So, supposing the Patriots actually did sabotage the balls to their advantage in the playoffs game. What are the actual _consequences_ they could face under NFL rules? Could they be disqualified from the Super Bowl and a new championship team put in? Could their win be annulled? Do they just get a fine and get to play the Big Game anyway in spite of their having demonstrably cheated to get there? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2015, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/15 "2015-01-21T23:52:45Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > It seems as though this would be a huge disadvantage when you’re kicking though. Is that correct? And did NE seem to choose running/passing far more than usual? > > Astorian: If they use their own balls, why would he make them harder to kick on purpose? Or was he making them harder, and therefore easier to kick farther? Kicking is done with another set of separate balls that are even a different shape than the normal offensive balls. And each team provides their own kicking balls too. Also in football there are fairly few scenarios where you voluntarily kick when there’s any alternative. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2015, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/16 "2015-01-22T00:06:45Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > … Also in football there are fairly few scenarios where you voluntarily kick when there’s any alternative. I didn’t say that very well, so let me clarify before I get picked apart … On every 4th down the team faces a 3-way choice: play for the first down, attempt field goal, or kick a punt. The distance to the first down and the distance to the goal largely determine if either of the first two options are remotely plausible. If not, punt is the choice. There \*are \*some marginal situations where there’s some real decision making and two or three of the options are all plausible decisions. But those are few enough in a single game that you’d never be able to detect somebody kicking more or less than normal. ---
**Author:** ![yabob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yabob/32/2821_2.png) [@yabob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yabob)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2015, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/17 "2015-01-22T00:27:59Z")
> [@Smapti](#): > > So, supposing the Patriots actually did sabotage the balls to their advantage in the playoffs game. > > What are the actual _consequences_ they could face under NFL rules? > > Could they be disqualified from the Super Bowl and a new championship team put in? Could their win be annulled? Do they just get a fine and get to play the Big Game anyway in spite of their having demonstrably cheated to get there? There’s been some talk that they might lose a draft pick. BTW, on the other side of the issue, Aaron Rodgers has been disgruntled because of refs letting air out of the balls he had had overinflated before games: [Aaron Rodgers: Fully inflate footballs](http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2014/story/_/id/12201369/aaron-rodgers-green-bay-packers-upset-referees-take-air-footballs) > [@](#): > > In fact, the Green Bay Packers quarterback believes there should be a minimum air pressure and no limit to how much game balls are inflated. Yeah, good thing he isn’t in charge of the balls used for kicking - imagine the the place kicker running up to the ball, kicking it, and the thing explodes. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2015, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/18 "2015-01-22T00:47:43Z")
Certainly a thread for the Game Room. Moved from General Questions. **samclem** , moderator ---
**Author:** ![RaftPeople](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@RaftPeople](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RaftPeople)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2015, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/19 "2015-01-22T00:54:10Z")
In the comments on espn: “Someone On New England Is Going To Be In Big Trouble, They Missed One…” ---
**Author:** ![P-man](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/p-man/32/3606_2.png) [@P-man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/P-man)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2015, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515/20 "2015-01-22T01:27:47Z")
Could they also have done it the previous week? It could have actually made a difference in a 35-31 game. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-underinflated-balls/710515.md?page=2)