Every offseason we’re treated to a few NFL rule changes, and this offseason is no different.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that the NFL Competition Committee was proposing a rule that would result in a team being penalized 15-yards and an automatic first down for performing a hip-drop tackle. It’s a rule that the league has been talking about for quite some time, and it appears to be on the verge of finally getting the green light.
And that’s not all! Now, word is coming out that the league is also considering making a change to their video review rules.
Specifically, the NFL is considering allowing officials to use video replay to review instances where the quarterback was ruled down before throwing a pass, when he was not, in fact, down.
Here’s the exact wording of the proposed NFL rule change, according to ProFootballTalk:
“When an on-field ruling is down by contact, and the passer clearly throws the ball before being down by contact, the ball will be awarded at the spot of completion or interception. No advance is permitted. If the pass is incomplete, the down counts. . . .
“When an on-field ruling is out of bounds, and the passer clearly threw the ball before touching out of bounds, the ball will be awarded at the spot of completion or interception. No advance is permitted. If the pass is incomplete, the down counts.”
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In such an instance where the quarterback was ruled down when he was actually still alive before completing the pass, the offense will be awarded the reception but will not gain any additional yards after the catch.
Based on the current rules, video review can overturn a play if a pass is ruled complete, but the quarterback was actually down or out of bounds before completing the pass, but not vice versa.
NFL Rule Change To Replay Review Still Needs To Be Voted On
As is the case when the league or competition committee proposes a rule, it must then be approved by at least 24 of the 32 teams in the league.
This new change to the replay review and any other proposed rules are still to be voted on, but we should know whether this change will be happening soon enough. Based on common sense, it seems as though we can expect this proposal to be given a thumbs up.
Also Read: REPORT: NFL Close To Finalizing Massive Change To Kickoff Rule For 2024 Season
