There's Going For The Ball And Then There's Full Blown Punching
To quote my grandfather ... "Jesus H Christ !!!! ". Listen I'm all for football okay. I played college ball (D3) despite the internet trying to clown on me for never hitting a mortal lock (had an ELITE spin move if we're being honest )
So I am not one of these softies saying take away tackling, take away hard hits, take away the game I love. That's not me nor will it ever be, you sign up to play football you know you in for a physical game from day 1 til the day you hang up the cleats.
But with all that said ... there's gotta be some decorum, like maybe don't throw full blown haymakers when you go for a tackle or a strip. The phrase "punch the ball" is a term meant to actually punch the ball, not treat the ballcarrier like a heavy bag. Jeez Auburn ... learn the rules.
Modern day Bobby Boucher.