The NFL is always looking to make rule changes. These are proposed during the offseason. This year is no different. Here are some that are going to be suggested to the NFL Competition Committee next week.
The first is allowing review of all penalty flags thrown by game officials. This would allow instant replay to correct the call on the field. While it sounds good on paper, the problem is that if this were to be enforced, the ref’ decisions would not be final and their judgment calls would be taken completely out of the game. All flags would be subject to instant replay. It could take more time and effort to correct the calls on the field. It wouldn’t make much sense to approve this rule change.
One rule that is probably going to be approved by the owners is moving the extra point to the 15-yard line. The NFL is looking to make it more difficult to kick the PAT. This past year, 26 field goal kickers in the NFL didn’t miss an extra point that was placed at the 2-yard line. Placing the ball at 15-yard line would change this to be a 33-yard attempt. They tried this in the preseason last year and at the Pro Bowl. This one should be approved because the NFL has already seen that moving the ball to the 33-yard line doesn’t make it an automatic point.
Altering the overtime is also being discussed. As it stands now, when in overtime, the team who receives the ball first can win the game with a touchdown. A field goal gives the other team a chance to possess the ball. This is all based on the coin flip. We saw in the NFC Championship game that Seattle won the toss and scored a touchdown. The Packers never had a chance to tie the game. They are now going to look at giving both teams a possession in overtime. This rule is fair. This would take pressure off of the coin toss. If the receiving team scores a touchdown at least the other team would have a chance to match it.
These rule changes will be proposed to the Competition Committee. If they approve any of them, the final decision goes to the owners. Each rule passed with a majority vote will be in play next season.
Which rule change would you like to see in the NFL next year?
I agree with most of your ideas especially the way to handle a tied gone. Give each team a chance or leave it and give each text 1/2 point. Also liked the PAT suggestion.
In favor of all these rule changes. Fairness should be the ‘name of the game’.
Thank you Jordan for clarity setting out these proposed (hopefully) rule changes.