Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton says he doesn’t know NFL’s safety rule

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Oct 31, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai (96) and middle linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Paul Soliai (96) and middle linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Miami won 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

The safety rule in the NFL isn’t that complicated, though, for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, he apparently needs a refresher.

Dalton, who was sacked for a safety, ending the game between Dalton’s Bengals and the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night admitted that he doesn’t know the full extent of the rule:

"Said Dalton of the play: “It was tough. I don’t know exactly the rule, if it’s a foot, or if it’s the ball, or what it is but from the replay I thought it was out. I don’t know, I’m not an official and I don’t know how they judge that.”"

Of course, the vast majority of NFL players (right or wrong) aren’t going to know the full definition of rules in the rulebook though, one would expect a player (especially a quarterback) to know how a safety is defined.

It may not be as bad as Donovan McNabb suggesting he didn’t know the overtime rules, but it’s certainly not a good luck for Dalton.