In recent years, there have been many games and calls within games that have left the NFL world in controversy. While the human element – the refs – can’t be replaced, new NFL rule changes and enforcements of said regulations may bring some peace and clarity with calls.
5 NFL Rule Changes That Must Be Implemented
With the Super Bowl long past and the Kansas City Chiefs being named Super Bowl Champions, some are still upset about the holding call at the end of the game. It is one humble person’s suggestion that the NFL take a look at some of the penalties. Defensive penalties should only be automatic first downs on personal fouls. For instance, defensive pass interference is an automatic first down. If the offense is called for pass interference do they lose a down?
While it is too late in the game to argue this particular call, maybe we can make some adjustments moving forward. Should defensive holding simply be a five-yard penalty and replay the down? At least in this case, maybe the Philadelphia Eagles would have had the opportunity to try and match their score. It’s a simple adjustment and gives the offense the yards and the opportunity to replay the down, but doesn’t kill the chances of the other team in the game.
"It was a holding. I tugged his jersey. I was hoping they would let it slide."
Eagles CB James Bradberry takes accountability for his controversial holding call on JuJu Smith-Schusterpic.twitter.com/knnzKzUSii
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 13, 2023
Defensive pass interference is another one, this penalty is an automatic first down and a spot foul, meaning that unintentional contact deep down the field could end up being a 50-yard penalty. While you would think that would discourage these infractions it does not, it just makes them more costly for the whole team.
Past Rule Reinstatements
The aformentioned rule changes aren’t the only adjustments the NFL should consider. There are a few other things that would be great to see brought back in the game, as they shouldn’t have been altered to begin with. First, the NFL should flesh out and define the “uncatchable ball” rule. There is only one reference to the term in the rule book, and it comes without much elaboration. In a game when a ball is 30 yards past the receiver and defensive pass interference is called, would he really have had a chance to catch a ball thrown so inaccurately? We see the pass interference called all the time on plays like this and it makes no sense when it is, by definition, uncatchable to begin with.
Another one is that many years ago – if a receiver near the sidelines jumped up to catch a pass and before coming down in-bounds was knocked out by a defender, consideration would be given to whether he would have come down in-bounds or not before ruling that it was not a catch. If the receiver would have came down in-bounds it would be ruled a catch. Now, if this happens in a game the receiver is out of bounds, end of story. Reinstating these rules could make the game more enjoyable to the viewers and keep things more competitive than they are today.
Quarterback Push
Everyone is so focused on what the Eagles do with the quarterback pushes on 3rd or 4th and one that we seem to be losing sight of some other meaningful penalties that should be given serious consideration for some rule adjustments. While it would be great if any of these rule adjustments or past rules were given a consideration the reality is, it is just a dream of one writer.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale – USA Today Sports
