Let's Talk NFL Rule Changes

[Manning18]

With the Owners meetings taking place, the meeting seems to be devoting a good deal of time to rule changes. There could be some big changes coming out of this Florida meeting. What rule changes do you think will affect the 2012 season? What rule changes would you like to see?

 

[DomePatrol]

Here are some of the rules that were mentioned, for reference.

Trade deadline proposal to move back from Week 6 to Week 8. #nfl

http://twitter.com/Eric_Edholm/statuses/182553593319141376

Bills have proposed that replay official in the booth will make all decisions on instant replay.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182552308259889153

Steelers have proposed modification for the horse-collar tackle rule, removing exception for quarterback inside the pocket.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182552414593888256

Steelers have proposed that postseason overtime rule be used in regular season also.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182552494268878848

Competition Committee proposed adoption of college rule for too many men on the field.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182552865108267008

Competition Committee proposes including some defensive players within protection against helmet-to-helmet hits.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182553080779386880

Competition Committee proposes automatic replay review of turnovers.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182553246852857857

Competition Committee proposes 2-week delay of trading deadline and 90-player offseason roster.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182553563011096576

Competition Committee proposes moving final cutdown from Saturday to Friday, given that Week One starts on a Wednesday.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182553854334865409

Competition Committee proposes significant change to injured reserve rules, allowing players to return in same season injured.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182554093380845568

Competition Committee proposed one roster exemption per team for a player with a concussion.

http://twitter.com/ProFootballTalk/statuses/182554190621573120

 

[albim]

Good post DomePatrol.

I support quite a few of those proposed changes. I agree with the Steelers (for once, as I'm a Bengals fan) that the playoff overtime rules should apply to the regular season. It makes no sense to have different OT rules for different games. Plus, as we saw in the Pittsburgh-Denver playoff game, it can be more exciting when you know a player has to run for a touchdown for the win.

One thing that I often argue for is the changing of holding penalties for both sides of the ball. If the NFL really wants to encourage the offensive production, holding for the offense should be divided into 5 and 10 (maybe 15?) yards, depending on the severity of the hold. I would like to see the same division for defensive holding, as an automatic first down for holding (as it is now) is ridiculous in many cases.

 

[dissn_it]

I would love to also see the overtime rules change. If Donovan McNabb gets confused... Seriously, it seems a bit unfair to just win the OT coin toss and kick a field goal to win the game. I would also agree with the automatic instant replay review for all turnovers because I think there are a lot of bad calls on these and the coach has to red flag them to get the officials to take another look.

 

[Lieutenant]

I wouldn't mind them being able to review all plays from the booth during a game. Especially big plays that could turn the game. I know this may extend the game a little but they could make sure that the booths get the video feeds faster to allow them to look at the feed over and over before they'd need to actually review the play. Plus additional commercials equals additional revenue for the NFL.

 

[gobrowns86]

Thanks for the info DomePatrol. I too would love to see the overtime rules take affect during the regular season. The replays from the booth would also have a big effect on the game.

 

[melaniedupris]

Thanks for the info DomePatrol. I too would love to see the overtime rules take affect during the regular season. The replays from the booth would also have a big effect on the game.

I agree with overtime rules being using in regular season as well. It's been about two years that they have been implemented in the playoffs and they haven't been used even once!

 

[WarEagle64]

Out of all of them, I would most like to see the Stellers proposal of the postseason overtime rule being used in regular season. I think it needs to be uniform throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.

 

[cougs4bcs]

Seems interesting. Though, I feel games might drag on forever if they hit OT now. We shall see how it plays out.

 

[DomePatrol]

Seems interesting. Though, I feel games might drag on forever if they hit OT now. We shall see how it plays out.

Nah, it will usually only add 1-2 more possessions. Sometimes even less.

 

[Lieutenant]

I agree with DomePatrol. It really wont add to much to the game unless the two teams just keep scoring, which is very unlikely.

 

[DomePatrol]

I agree with DomePatrol. It really wont add to much to the game unless the two teams just keep scoring, which is very unlikely.

No, because even then it ends soon. Once both teams have had a possession, it becomes sudden death.

Example:
Team A scores a TD.
Game over.

or

Team A scores a FG
Team B scores a FG
Next point wins.

or

Team A fails to score
Team B scores a FG.
Game over

or

Team A fails to score
Team B fails to score
Next point wins.

Basically, whoever takes, or has, the lead after 2 possessions wins the game.