An all-intensive roundup of all of today's NFL rule changes
The NFL annual meetings continued this morning, as owners voted on a number of proposed rule changes. Here's a one-stop round-up of what passed, what failed, what remains on the table, and what could be coming next.
PASSED
Raising the uprights by five feet: This was the only of the Patriots four proposals that was passed today, and it sounds like it was met with little opposition. Raising the goalposts should help to eliminate situations like the Patriots-Ravens regular season game in 2012, when it was unclear (and un-reviewable) whether the on-the-field judgment call of a made game-winning field goal was correct due to the kick traveling over the goal posts.
The NaVarro Bowman rule: Any recovery of a loose ball on the field of play is now reviewable by replay. This was inspired by a controversial play in the NFC championship game in which the 49ers Bowman clearly recovered a Seattle fumble, but the incorrect on-field call of Seattle ball could not be overturned because the play wasn't reviewable by rule.
Game clock running after sacks: Thanks to today's vote, the game clock will not stop after any sack outside of two minutes. Frankly, it's surprising they didn't make this logical move a long time ago.
FAILED
More reviews: Multiple proposals for expanded replay failed, including the Patriots one to make all non-scoring plays eligible for challenge. It's a shame, since the proposal Bill Belichick laid out makes a ton of sense, but it's not surprising, as Belichick's proposal would be the kind of drastic change that takes years to gain enough support to pass.
It's likely that the Patriots made the proposal not expecting it to pass, but hoping to be a conversation-starter. According to the competition committee, the topic inspired a lot of debate, although less than 50% of the coaches supported the Patriots proposal. Either way, Chiefs (Andy Reid) and Bucs (Lovie Smith) fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
Tougher extra points: Another Patriots proposal that failed was moving extra points back to the 25 yard line. However, it sounds like the NFL is open to some adaptation of this idea, as they'll experiment with teams kicking extra points from the 20 (a 37 yard kick) in the first two weeks of the preseason.
Kickoffs from the 40: A Redskins proposal to move kickoffs up to the forty yard line was defeated. I'm personally happy about this, as kickoffs have already been marginalized enough since they were moved to the 35 in 2011. Touchbacks are way up, return attempts are way down anyways. Don't make the kickoff as pointless of a formality as the extra point.
Eliminate 75 man cut down: Another Redskins proposal to get shot down was to eliminate the 75 man cut down during training camp. Not sure why Washington would want that, unless expanded rosters were part of the deal.
Unlimited IR-Designated to Returns: A proposal to allow teams to bring back an unlimited number of players from the injured reserve list reportedly wasn't even close to passing. Team's will still have only one return designation, and will have to use it wisely (as the Patriots did last year with Shane Vereen).
TABLED
More cameras: The Patriots proposal to aid replay capabilities by adding more cameras and camera angles didn't pass, but it looks like they might get their way without having to throw a bake-sale. The competition committee reportedly told the team that they are looking into the possibility of adding cameras to all goal lines, sidelines and end lines, and will be discussing the matter with their broadcast partners.
No OT in the preseason: You'd think this would be common sense, but it got tabled until May. Hopefully, the league does the right thing and makes sure meaningless preseason games don't go on any longer than they have to. Also, owners, stop squeezing regular season prices for those glorified scrummages while your at it. Don't get hoggy.
Expanded Thursday night rosters/ practice squads: Specifically, these proposals were to expand practice squads from 8 to 10 players, and expanding the active roster for Thursday night games from 46 to 49. I actually think there should be expanded rosters for all teams, perhaps from 53 to 57. Considering the sheer number of injuries around the league, teams should be able to have more bodies available.
Open the dome at halftime: A proposal to allow team's whose stadiums have a retractable roof to open the roof at halftime due to weather concerns was also tabled.
DISCUSSED
Taunting: According to multiple reports, taunting was a bit of a hot button issue today. Apparently, the NCAA has asked the NFL's competition committee to crack down on taunting, as collegiate (and high school) players tend to emulate the pros they watch on Sundays. Jeff Fisher was quoted as saying "we're going to raise the standard on the field", which is pretty humorous to all that remember how dirty and loudmouthed his Tennessee team's consistently were.
Playoff Expansion: Goodell said the idea isn't ruled out for 2014, but it doesn't look like that will be implemented this year. It does seem to be something that Goodell and the owners want (money, money, money, money!) and some think could be here as soon as 2015.
Cold weather Super Bowl: According to Goodell, feedback was "very positive" on February's New York Super Bowl. This could open up the possibility of more cold weather sites hosting the game in the future, although it will probably still stick largely to warm climates/domes.
