What happens when a defensive player is caught offside?

When a defensive player is caught offside, the rules dictate that a 5-yard penalty is enforced from the previous line of scrimmage. This penalty is called because an offside infraction occurs when a defensive player enters the neutral zone before the ball is snapped, disrupting the fair play of the game.

The 5-yard penalty is specifically designed to discourage this behavior while also providing a manageable consequence for the defensive team. Unlike other penalties that can range from 5 to 15 yards (or more, depending on the infraction), the offside penalty is consistently set at 5 yards.

This serves dual purposes: it maintains the flow of the game and provides an opportunity for the offense to gain a slight advantage, which helps balance competitive play. The nature of the offside penalty means that it does not result in a turnover or the loss of down; instead, it simply provides the offense with improved field position, allowing them to continue their drive towards scoring.