It's been a long time since I've strapped on a helmet and a lot of things about the game has changed. Additionally, I never played at a very high level, a large high school and one year on the bench at a small college is the extent of my playing experience.
But one thing that has constantly been a wonder for me is how many players get called for blocks in the back, particularly on kick returns. It's not that difficult. You make sure that your head is in front of the defender before you throw the block. I've also been coached that when the ball carrier has gone past you, do not throw any block at all, impede a defender if you must and pursue the play in case there's a fumble or the ball carrier suddenly changes direction, but don't throw a block when you're trailing a play.
This has been a frustration of mine for decades. Are coaches not emphasizing this enough? Are players so eager to get a 'pancake' block and on the highlight reel that they disregard their common sense? It happens with such regularity that there has to be a root cause.
Am I missing something?