I see a lot of discussion on the rules of kicking FG's. Specifically, the "Defenseless Player" rule and the "Leverage" rule. I think if you're on the losing side of the block you're going to have a bias and likewise on the winning team. I've always been in the camp that refs make bad calls for both teams. The Packers have certainly had their share of bad calls through the years as have every team in the NFL. However, let's break this specific situation down.
First, the alignment is completely legal. The rule is that you cannot lineup over the center. This means that you have to be outside the shoulders of the long snapper. Also, the refs do a good job of telling players before the snap if they are properly aligned. Generally speaking, they don't want to throw a flag for either team on a game winning FG. That's also why so much pass interference is ignored on a Hale Mary.
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Both DL are well outside the shoulders of the center. This is all legal.
There also seems to be some confusion on hitting the long snapper. The long snapper can be hit. The actual rule reads as this, "
The long snapper is considered a defenseless player at the time of the snap, and defenders are not allowed to: Forcibly hit the long snapper's head or neck with their helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder." Long story short, anyone claiming you can't hit the long snapper is wrong. It goes back to a defenseless receiver as well. You certainly can hit a WR.
Brooks actually times it perfectly and is off the line before 79 reacts to the snap.
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It's hard to say, but I certainly do not see anyone hitting the long snapper forcefully above the head or neck. What I do see is 79 holding on the play trying to stop Brooks because he was beat off the line.
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As far as a leverage penalty goes, I see exactly zero Packers using each other to jump or stand on.
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Regardless of all I've said, the play stands and the Pack win.
