The NFL is finally starting to make some progress when it comes to how first downs are measured.
According to Mark Maske of the Washington Post, the NFL is testing a computerized method for measuring first-down officiating decisions. The technology would be used instead of first-down chains to determine whether a player reached the gain line.
Maske reported that the league will now measure teams’ and owners’ interest in adopting the technology during games before moving forward. Maske also mentioned that the computerized system could be ready for use next season, but NFL senior vice president of football operations Troy Vincent believes that the 2025 season is a more realistic timetable for widespread usage of the technology.
This is wonderful news, as the old way of measuring first downs has always been controversial. The electronic system would measure if a player reached the line to gain rather than depend on humans and the old system.
According to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, the league is evaluating technology developed by Hawk-Eye, a computer vision system used in tennis, to assist with video replays. This technology would allow officials to assess the ball and players’ positions more precisely while examining the line to gain a first down.
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Smith also stated that the league is evaluating technology for the sidelines, goal lines, and end lines, as well as first-down markers.
Eliminating Human Error In Determining First Downs Will Forever Change The Game
The human factor has been critical in every major professional sport. Major League Baseball’s umpires call balls and strikes. For the NFL, it’s the chain gang.
The accuracy in spotting the football is more inconsistent. When it comes to deciding whether a side got a first down or came very near to one, referees are only sometimes in the ideal position to spot the ball and instead rely on their gut instinct.
The new system could very well change the game and outcomes in future NFL contests, and we should all be thankful for that.
