*In this feature, Football 101, NFL officials help explain and clarify some of the rules that impact the game. This week, umpire Tony Steratore helps explain the when the clock will and will not stop in the final two minutes of each half:
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Summary From The Official NFL Rule Book - Rule 4, Section 3, Article 2
A new change to Rule 4, Section 3, Article 2 in 2014 dictates that "the game clock will remain running after a quarterback sack outside two minutes of either half."
Furthermore, Rule 4, Section 3, Article 2 outlines in which situations the game clock is not started, which includes "after the two-minute warning of the first half" or "inside the last five minutes of the second half".
And Rule 5, Section 1, Article 4 explains three important details about timeouts in the final two minutes of each half:
A.) If a team has not used its three charged team timeouts, the team of the injured player will be charged a team timeout, unless:
1) the injury is the result of a foul by an opponent;
2) the injury occurs during a down in which there is a change of possession, a successful field goal, or an attempted Try
B.) If a team has used its three charged team timeouts, an excess team timeout shall be called by the Referee, unless:
1) the injury is the result of a foul by an opponent;
2) the injury occurs during a down in which there is a change of possession, a successful field goal, or an attempted Try
C.) The player must leave the game for the completion of one down, unless:
1) the injury is the result of a foul by an opponent; or
2) either team calls a charged team timeout.
The Official Point Of View
"The only time we used to not stop the clock on a sack was inside two minutes," Steratore explained, referring to the rule change that was enacted before this season began.
"Now we won't stop the clock at all during the game on a quarterback sack."