OT: Proposed NFL rule changes; video replay for all(!) penalty flags

Submitted by Moleskyn on

ESPN posted an article highlighting some of the rules changes that have been proposed by the NFL's competition committee. At the top of the list:

Significant changes to the use of video replay, including reviewing all fouls called by game officials, will be proposed by the NFL's competition committee at next week's owners meetings.

The committee is presenting a proposal by the Detroit Lions that would permit the instant replay system to correct an officiating error. That would include such controversial calls as pass interference.

To which I say, "no thank you". Can you imagine, after every penalty flag is thrown, having to wait for a replay to verify that the correct call was made? The game would be insufferable to watch. There would hardly be any flow at all. Terrible proposal, Detroit.

Other changes mentioned in the article:

  • Placing fixed cameras on all boundary lines (proposed by the Patriots). I think this makes sense, and am surprised it's taken this long to be suggested.
  • Moving the PAT to the 15-yard line
  • Guaranteeing both teams a possession in OT, even if the first team scores a TD.
  • Give teams that successfully convert a 2-point conversion the chance to immediately add another point from midfield. I have no idea what this means.
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EastCoast Esq.

March 18th, 2015 at 4:47 PM ^

So I actually like the extra-extra-point rule.

My understanding is that it would give a team that successfully goes for 2 a chance to KICK A FIELD GOAL for the 3rd point. Therefore, you either take the easy 7 or possibly get the harder 9.

Why does there need to be a disincentive to that? It incentivizes 2-point conversion attempts, which can only add to the game's excitement.

Joined: 07/16/2012

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MichiganMAN47

March 18th, 2015 at 5:28 PM ^

I like the idea for 15 yard penalties. Penalties like pass interferences, face masks, late hits, roughing the passer, etc. It will take too much time to review every penalty and will really slow down the game.

You could set a clock limit. Perhaps only penalties in the 4th quarter can BR reviewed.

Maybe have a separate coaches challenge flag on penalties. Perhaps coach can challenge one penalty and one other ruling.

Joined: 02/24/2015

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ih8losing

March 18th, 2015 at 5:53 PM ^

If every penalty were to be reviewed what would be the point of having refs altogether?

Baseball is trying to shorten the game, football? Not so much

Joined: 12/29/2013

MGoPoints: 15739

kalamazoo

March 18th, 2015 at 7:38 PM ^

I think we should wait and see if this slows down the game. We haven't seen the final ruling. Things I like: - Game has more integrity when more can be reviewed. - The anticipation and cheers at the end of the game due to a reversal can be kind of fun. - Sports commentators will now have even more information available to them on refs...like "most reversals per game average" which may be 0.17 or something. - Saves the league time from having to review plays after the game and commenting on how the incorrect call was made. - Reduces articles and negativity on "horrible" calls that decided games that fans talk about for weeks. I would think it possible that the game moves faster because refs may not want the chance that their call could be overturned...to protect from rejection, they may not call as much. It would depend ref to ref. For those that don't physically go to the games, perhaps you can DVR and just start watching the game 2 hours in. Saves tons of time. Games can be bottled up into 2 hours and then you have a free 2 hours with your family. No rule changes required to try this. Hope they make the right decisions on rule changes though!

Joined: 08/20/2010

MGoPoints: 2581

socalwolverine1

March 18th, 2015 at 8:16 PM ^

...which is why for a lot of us fans, owning a DVR device is the only way to watch (delayed).  For me, one of the refreshing things about watching international soccer is the running clock (= no commercials until halftime).  Of course, football is a different animal and has stoppage time after every play, but setting limits on the ever-expanding commercials is my #1 priority Rule Change.

Joined: 10/08/2012

MGoPoints: 1235

Jmilan

March 18th, 2015 at 11:30 PM ^

How about better officials in general and less interrupted play with bullshit commercials. I get commercials are a way to pay the bills but you don't need one after every single possession change, extra point, kickoff, etc.

Joined: 10/13/2011

MGoPoints: 751