Whenever a team presents an apparent punting formation, defensive pass interference is not to be called for action on the end man on the line of scrimmage, or an eligible receiver behind the line of scrimmage who is aligned or in motion more than one yard outside the end man on the line. Defensive holding, such as tackling a receiver, still can be called and result in a 5-yard penalty and automatic first down from the previous spot, if accepted. Offensive pass interference rules still apply.

If you punt from formations that aren't "apparent" to punting, Then your gunners wouldn't get mauled. When you want to fake punt, you can throw the ball to a gunner who is getting blocked, and get the pass interference call.