NFL Rules question...

Question
Louis,
I realize this is not strictly offensive-related, but maybe you can share your thoughts anyway.

In the recent Super Bowl, Tom Brady was called for "Intentional Grounding" when...while in the pocket and under pressure...he just heaved a pass downfield (to avoid a sack) without a possible receiver anywhere close to where the ball came down.   I think that the NFL protects the QB's an awful lot nowadays, and in return I think that the things they are not allowed to do should be called very closely.  (I think that "in the grasp" should be called more often, for example.)

But that makes me wonder:  Shouldn't it also be "Intentional Grounding" when a QB (while in the pocket and under pressure) just heaves a ball way out of bounds...to avoid a sack...without a possible receiver anywhere close to where the ball comes down?  We see that all the time.  
In fact, when a team is on the opponent's twenty five yard line or so, we frequently see a QB just heave the ball through the end zone and sometimes even up into the stands to avoid the rush.  And oftentimes, the commentators (many of whom are themselves former QB's) will praise the QB for going ahead and gettinng rid of the ball.  They'll say something like, "Smart move to just throw it away.  You can't take a sack in this position...got to stay within field goal range."

So what's the difference?  If it's against the rules to throw a pass way downfield...without a receiver around...to avoid a sack, why is it not called when the QB throws it out of bounds under the same situation?

Answer
Hi David,
I understand what you are saying and I agree with you 100%. Sometimes the rules do not make a whole lot of sense. I think that ANYTIME you heaved a pass down field (to avoid a sack) and there are no receivers near by the officials should call Intentional Grounding.  The quarterback should have only two choices, throw the football and take a chance on throwing an interception or take the sack. I would like to see more sacks and interceptions not replays.

I would also like to see them do away with some of the other rules.

1) If the quarterback is passing and his arm is moving forward its a pass if his arm is back and he drops it its a fumble. I say that if the football has not crossed the line of scrimmage its a fumble, end of story.  I do not want to see an instant replay of the quarterback抯 arm going back and forth for half an hour. I want to see the game.

2) If the ball carriers knee is down its not a fumble. I do not care if his knee is down or up, I say anytime the football pops out its a fumble. Who cares about the knee? If you do not want to fumble the football, hold on to it.

3) "In the Grasp Rule" If you do not want the quarterback hurt tell him to take the sack. No more in the grasp rule.

I think I will stop here before I talk your head off lol. I hope I answered your question? If not let me know.
Your friend, Louis