Wednesday, April 2, 2008

More Competition Committee Rulings

Well, the excitement of the annual NFL owners' meeting has almost passed. Other than the rule about defensive radios now being allowed, the following were passed:

1) Elimination of the Force Out Rule: Receivers now need to get two feet down in bounds no matter what. This is really going to be more influential than a lot of people think. It makes covering a speed receiver a lot easier, since as long as you have a speed guy to cover him, he just has to shove the guy a step out. It means that sideline passes are going to become a lot harder, and it also increases the role of safeties, since receivers will be tending more towards the middle. 

2) After that Phil Dawson field goal that was overturned and ruled as good, field goal attempts are now eligible for instant replay. 

3) Direct snaps from centre that go back without touching the QB are now fumbles instead of false starts. 

4) There are no accidental facemask penalties, only 15 yard versions are assessed. This one makes sense since the possible injury for the player remains the same no matter the way it is hit. This will mean players will go out of their way not to grab a facemask, which is a good thing. 


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