NFL could change defensive Pass Interference to a 15-yard penalty
Feb
27
2/27/2018 12:40:30 PM
|More
The NFL is reportedly looking at implementing a number of rule changes, some expected (clarifying the catch rule) and some not so, Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com reports..
One of the surprising proposals offered by the Competition Committee is to change the penalty for defensive pass interference from a spot foul to a 15-yard penalty at most, NFL Network's Judy Battista reported Tuesday. This is more in line with how the game is refereed on the collegiate level.
Changing the pass interference penalty is on its face a defense-first measure. Offenses would have far less to gain by "chucking it up" to try and draw a penalty from a grabby defensive back downfield.
Defensive pass interference was called 266 times in 2017, per Pro Football Reference, or more than once per game for an average of 18.09 yards per game. It was the third-most frequent flag behind offensive holding and false start.
In addition, and perhaps as a counter-measure, the league is expected to increase "illegal contact" calls as an effort to limit the amount of hand-fighting.
Battista reported the league is also looking at the targeting rule and emphasizing more ejections for fighting.
Outside the lines, the NFL is also expected to implement a Josh McDaniels Rule. Battista reported a new measure to allow teams to hire coaches, even while their teams are still active in the playoffs, could be adopted.
The catalyst for this rule came earlier this month. The Colts were expected to hire McDaniels, then and still New England's offensive coordinator, as their next head coach, but couldn't until after the Pats were eliminated from the postseason. After the Super Bowl, McDaniels backed out of their handshake agreement, causing Indianapolis to scramble to find a replacement.
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Feb
27
2/27/2018 12:40:30 PM
|More
The NFL is reportedly looking at implementing a number of rule changes, some expected (clarifying the catch rule) and some not so, Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com reports..
One of the surprising proposals offered by the Competition Committee is to change the penalty for defensive pass interference from a spot foul to a 15-yard penalty at most, NFL Network's Judy Battista reported Tuesday. This is more in line with how the game is refereed on the collegiate level.
Changing the pass interference penalty is on its face a defense-first measure. Offenses would have far less to gain by "chucking it up" to try and draw a penalty from a grabby defensive back downfield.
Defensive pass interference was called 266 times in 2017, per Pro Football Reference, or more than once per game for an average of 18.09 yards per game. It was the third-most frequent flag behind offensive holding and false start.
In addition, and perhaps as a counter-measure, the league is expected to increase "illegal contact" calls as an effort to limit the amount of hand-fighting.
Battista reported the league is also looking at the targeting rule and emphasizing more ejections for fighting.
Outside the lines, the NFL is also expected to implement a Josh McDaniels Rule. Battista reported a new measure to allow teams to hire coaches, even while their teams are still active in the playoffs, could be adopted.
The catalyst for this rule came earlier this month. The Colts were expected to hire McDaniels, then and still New England's offensive coordinator, as their next head coach, but couldn't until after the Pats were eliminated from the postseason. After the Super Bowl, McDaniels backed out of their handshake agreement, causing Indianapolis to scramble to find a replacement.
Don't forget to follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/theredzoneorg
Like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/Theredzone.org
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