What is the typical outcome of a defensive foul occurring during a scoring play?

The typical outcome of a defensive foul occurring during a scoring play allows the offensive team to enforce the penalty on the ensuing kickoff. This is primarily due to the fact that when a defensive penalty occurs during a play that results in a touchdown, the offense typically has the option to accept the points scored while also determining how they wish to handle the foul.

In this case, the offensive team may choose to take the penalty, which could give them better field position for the subsequent kickoff. This is particularly advantageous if the defensive penalty is one that does not automatically lead to a more significant penalty yardage or advantage for the defense on the next play. The ability to enforce the penalty on the kickoff allows the offensive team to maximize their advantageous position following a successful scoring play.

While the option to decline a penalty exists in many scenarios, during scoring plays, the scoring team often opts to accept the result of the play—in this case, a touchdown—while still gaining the benefits of the penalty afterward. The other options, such as automatically scoring a touchdown or losing possession, do not accurately reflect the rules surrounding defensive fouls during scoring plays.