In the AFC Divisional Playoff round game between the Steelers and Broncos on Sunday January 17 2016, I noticed a hesitation longer than usual before the first snap from scrimmage on the opening drive.
The opening kickoff was downed, and there was no time lost on the clock. With 15:00 to go in the first, Roethlisberger seemed to take some time being sure of the play call. I noticed for the first time that the game clock was running down in this scenario.
My question is: is it legal for either team to call timeout given this scenario? I am well aware that to do so is not the height of coaching mastery or game management.
As a follow-up question, if it is legal, has anyone ever done it?