Any replacement refs that can help?

[One Timer]

I am watching the Giants vs. Browns game, Browns are backed up on their own 11 yard line, its 2nd and 16. Browns throw a screen pass and get tackled for a 1 yard loss at the ten making it 3rd and 17,
BUT there is a flag for block in the back on the Browns, they are penalized half the distance to the goal line and replay 2nd down. So instead of being 3rd and 17 it is 2nd and 21.
My question,
Why didn't the Giants decline the penalty?
Were they not allowed to decline it for some reason or was it an oversight by the Giants OR in some parallel universe is 2nd and 21 worse than 3rd and 17?

I have seen extensive baseball rules experts on here, want to know if there are any football rules experts.

:00x32

 

[Mr. Poon]

You can definitely decline a block in the back penalty.

 

[One Timer]

I thought so as well, so basically all 11 guys on the field and the entire coaching staff missed the opportunity to decline the penalty?

 

[Mr. Poon]

Would appear so. On face value it doesn't seem very logical as you point out.

 

[One Timer]

Thanks, I just didn't know if I was missing something.

 

[Livin'tillthEnd]

I am watching the Giants vs. Browns game, Browns are backed up on their own 11 yard line, its 2nd and 16. Browns throw a screen pass and get tackled for a 1 yard loss at the ten making it 3rd and 17,
BUT there is a flag for block in the back on the Browns, they are penalized half the distance to the goal line and replay 2nd down. So instead of being 3rd and 17 it is 2nd and 21.
My question,
Why didn't the Giants decline the penalty?
Were they not allowed to decline it for some reason or was it an oversight by the Giants OR in some parallel universe is 2nd and 21 worse than 3rd and 17?

I have seen extensive baseball rules experts on here, want to know if there are any football rules experts.

:00x32

Giants didn't care, they knew theyd kick the browns ass anyways

 

[Mr. Poon]

Giants didn't care, they knew theyd kick the browns ass anyways

My guess is one of the coaches has the Giants Defense on their fantasy team. He was hoping for either a sack or even safety. Taking the penalty and a replay of 2nd down creates another opportunity for either of those.