What would you change?

[Dolla Bill]

This is just a thread for those guys who like to tinker with the standing rules of the NFL. If there is something you guys would change. (rules, OT, referees, etc.)

Or if there is something off the wall that you would like to see done, lets here what you got.

[HAWGZHEAD]

That stupid *Spencored* "football move" rule in the case of a fumble. 2 feet down and posession and it is a catch. Drop the ball after that= Fumble!

[IMALILTEAPOT]

instead of the coin flip, the two teams should do rock paper scissors, best out of 3. that would give a much more fair chance for each teams, and would be exciting too. im serious

[whistleandthumb]

Reviews of Pass Interference calls.

That would probably save the season for about 5 teams a year in the NFL. I know it would have for us last year.

[HAWGZHEAD]

Replay decisions should be made in the booth, period.

[IMALILTEAPOT]

also, we need to actually inforce the horse collar tackle. i didnt see one called, though i saw many horse collar tackles.

[whistleandthumb]

also, we need to actually inforce the horse collar tackle. i didnt see one called, though i saw many horse collar tackles.
Agree. Any tackle that involves pulling a player down from behind is a horse collar tackle.

[whistleandthumb]

also, we need to actually inforce the horse collar tackle. i didnt see one called, though i saw many horse collar tackles.
I'd like to put a vote in for getting RID of all these sensitive rules regarding when you can touch a QB. This is football. If you don't want to get hit, then don't play the game.

Lately, it's like if the cat farts they'll flag you for Roughing the QB.

[HAWGZHEAD]

I think sudden death OT is ridiculous. A coin flip decides the outcome of the game 80% of the time.

[Dolla Bill]

I think sudden death OT is ridiculous. A coin flip decides the outcome of the game 80% of the time.


I would either like college OT, or at least the opposing team gets 1 'try' to tie or win the game in OT.

[HAWGZHEAD]

I would either like college OT, or at least the opposing team gets 1 'try' to tie or win the game in OT.I like the college system too but for the pro's they would have to change the beginning line of scrimmage for each team to like their own 30 or 40. I think that could work.

[LATrueRedskin]

I'd like to see offensive pass interference called (as opposed to defensive PI) when a receiver just runs straight into a defender. That is the most frustrating call in the NFL IMO. There's no way a defender can stop that, and he has to take the penalty.

I also don't like these ticky-tacky defensive holding calls. If you touch a receiver, it's a penalty. This isn't basketball.

[ihatedallas]

rules for QB's are stupid. All penalties should eb reviewable. The booth should make all review sessions, and it should be unlimited. The way ti is now, if a coach runs out of challenges, and theres ablatent misscall, nothing can eb done...

[FootballNorth]

I personally agree with every post in this thread.

My 2 cents worth is getting rid of the fair catch. Create a necessary and enforced cushion radius (maybe 4 yards) around the returner to ensure he does not get clocked:sfight: right away. In return you guarantee what should be an exciting play (punt return).

[techskinsfan]

make the review process less dramatic...have a guy in the booth review each play after the play and if the refs made a mistake the guy can call the refs n tell them they got it wrong...i just think the replay system is a little overdramatic as is

[smoot]

make the review process less dramatic...have a guy in the booth review each play after the play and if the refs made a mistake the guy can call the refs n tell them they got it wrong...i just think the replay system is a little overdramatic as is
i dont know about dramatic, but i agree that the entire replay system should be overhauled, in that replays should be done in the booth and every play should be reviewable

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

i dont know about dramatic, but i agree that the entire replay system should be overhauled, in that replays should be done in the booth and every play should be reviewable
my thoughts as well.

plus, i think ive said this before but id like to see the pass interference penalty be either 15 yards or the spot of the foul, depending on the severity of the interference. when the interference is blatant and the defender clearly impedes the receivers ability to catch the ball because he knows it'll be a touchdown if he doesnt do something, the result of the foul should be the spot of the ball. if its ticky tacky, it should be a 15 yarder.

*end of rant*

[BurgundyNGold]

my thoughts as well.

plus, i think ive said this before but id like to see the pass interference penalty be either 15 yards or the spot of the foul, depending on the severity of the interference. when the interference is blatant and the defender clearly impedes the receivers ability to catch the ball because he knows it'll be a touchdown if he doesnt do something, the result of the foul should be the spot of the ball. if its ticky tacky, it should be a 15 yarder.

*end of rant*
I'm with you on that, but I'm sure there will be controversy as to which call should (or was) called when. I think your plan would be better though. However, it would impede offense and scoring which isn't what the league is looking to do right now.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

I'm with you on that, but I'm sure there will be controversy as to which call should (or was) called when. I think your plan would be better though. However, it would impede offense and scoring which isn't what the league is looking to do right now.
not if they listen to us, change the rules and review each play in question. :) i could see the controversy coming into play as well unfortunately.

i dont think it would impede offense though. whether its 15 yards or more, the ball is still moving, lol.

[BurgundyNGold]

not if they listen to us, change the rules and review each play in question. :) i could see the controversy coming into play as well unfortunately.

i dont think it would impede offense though. whether its 15 yards or more, the ball is still moving, lol.
True, but for a lot of teams just chucking it downfield to try and make the play or get the penalty is part of the gameplan. If there is a PI, you can get 40 yards and usually the ball in the red zone. If it's just a ticky tack infraction, that 40 yard gain becomes a 15 yard gain. They might not even be in FG range, so I'm thinking less points in general if that happens.

[LadyNRedskinsfan]

True, but for a lot of teams just chucking it downfield to try and make the play or get the penalty is part of the gameplan. If there is a PI, you can get 40 yards and usually the ball in the red zone. If it's just a ticky tack infraction, that 40 yard gain becomes a 15 yard gain. They might not even be in FG range, so I'm thinking less points in general if that happens.
i know that the way the league works, but thats the problem IMO. the defense shouldnt be penalized that harshly for a ticky tack foul just because the league wants to see more offense. i think 15+ yard penalties would still occur frequently with the speed of guys like santana moss and steve smith and the habits of a guy like charles woodson, lol.

[BurgundyNGold]

i know that the way the league works, but thats the problem IMO. the defense shouldnt be penalized that harshly for a ticky tack foul just because the league wants to see more offense. i think 15+ yard penalties would still occur frequently with the speed of guys like santana moss and steve smith and the habits of a guy like charles woodson, lol.
Oh, I agree. What you see in college a lot is if a DB gets beat, he just flat out mugs the WR, knowing he's only giving up a 15 yard penalty. In the NFL it's the complete opposite. Teams get put in scoring position because of weak or non existent PI calls. I agree with you, if there is a difference in facemask penalties, there can and should most certainly be differences in PI penalties. I was just pointing out that the league is all about scoring right now, so I don't see them changing that rule no matter how badly it is needed.

[smoak]

I think sudden death OT is ridiculous. A coin flip decides the outcome of the game 80% of the time.

That is actually not true. I read that the winner of the coin toss wins closer to 55-60% of the time. I just wish each team was gaurateed 1 possession. I HATE the college system with every fiber of my being. It eliminates special teams and limits the effectiveness of a gret defense.

I'd make 55+ yard FGs worth 4 points.

[C-7]

No more plays blown dead. I don't know if all plays should be reviewable, but all fumbles should.

[smoak]

Interesting article on the Overtime rule. I like the "first team to score six points" idea b/c then you can't lose on a 50 yard FG. But I absolutel despise the sissy college system. I want a kickoff and I want the offense to have to drive the length of the field. None of this "give it to them on the 30" stuff.

http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20041106/mathtrek.asp

[Patrick]

HOLDING:
This rule has so many interputations that’s it ridiculous. Starting with the fact (as it always said) that on ANY offensive play “Holding” could be called. (then why isn’t it)
The act of the offensive “BLOCK” needs to be redefined and simplified.

KICKOFFS:No “Touchbacks” – must be run out of the end-zone.

PUNTS:
No “Fair Catch” – must be returned.

FIELD GOALS:
Points should be awarded base on yardline the kick is attempted.
Yard-line GL-9 = 1 pt, 10-19 = 2 pts, 20-29 = 3 pts, 30-49 = 4 pts, 50 and beyond = 5 pts

CLOCK:Moving of the changes upon obtaining a first down should stop the clock (same as college).
An incomplete pass should not stop the clock.

REVIEW/REPLAY:
Should be done on ever play by an official “upstairs” and can automatic reverse a ruling on the field without a coaches challenge.

FUTURE TECHNOGY:
Insert a senor inside the football that will send a signal to the “Upstairs” official monitor to indicated when the ball brakes the plane of the goal-line.

OVERTIME:
Eliminate OT and go back to having ties. With all the other current tiebreakers involved this would not cause any problems and specially if the a revised FG scoring system were put into effect and 2 pt conversion option. .......... During playoffs – each team should be given a series (which would involve KO).

This would be just to start - I've got more that could improve the game!

[Ibleedburgundy]

Put cameras directly and precisely on the ends of each goal line and overhead.

Put a committee of Five refs in the booth to make the replay reviews.

Make all calls/penalties reviewable.

Get rid of the rule where guys get a personal foul for accidentally grazing the QB's helmet.

Get rid of the "football move" rule regarding a catch. Some of these guys are holding the ball for three steps but it's not called a catch. If you control the ball and have both feet down inbounds, it should be a catch no matter what happens next.

Get some younger Refs. Old men's eyes are slow to adjust as evidenced by Dick Cheney shooting a man in the face. Not to mention they can't get out of the way. Somebody is going to break a hip.

OT should be a half quarter (7.5 minutes)

[Patrick]

Put cameras directly and precisely on the ends of each goal line and overhead.

Put a committee of Five refs in the booth to make the replay reviews.

Make all calls/penalties reviewable.

Get rid of the rule where guys get a personal foul for accidentally grazing the QB's helmet.

Get rid of the "football move" rule regarding a catch. Some of these guys are holding the ball for three steps but it's not called a catch. If you control the ball and have both feet down inbounds, it should be a catch no matter what happens next.

Get some younger Refs. Old men's eyes are slow to adjust as evidenced by Dick Cheney shooting a man in the face. Not to mention they can't get out of the way. Somebody is going to break a hip.
OT should be a half quarter (7.5 minutes)


Hey - HEY - HEY ........... let's be careful about this age thing.
Maybe under YOUR changes - the senior refs could be moved to the "Upstairs" booth. ..... A lot to be said of the "Older" more experienced. guys!

[HAWGZHEAD]

Taking away the fair catch, as much as I dislike it, sounds very dangerous in this day and time. All of these guys are bigger faster stronger than ever before. That sounds like injuries waiting to happen to me.

[Dolla Bill]

Taking away the fair catch, as much as I dislike it, sounds very dangerous in this day and time. All of these guys are bigger faster stronger than ever before. That sounds like injuries waiting to happen to me.


Injuries? Sounds more like murder to me....and upon the beltway around Baltimore, the Ravens are salivating at the mouth for this opportunity.

[whistleandthumb]

my thoughts as well.

plus, i think ive said this before but id like to see the pass interference penalty be either 15 yards or the spot of the foul, depending on the severity of the interference. when the interference is blatant and the defender clearly impedes the receivers ability to catch the ball because he knows it'll be a touchdown if he doesnt do something, the result of the foul should be the spot of the ball. if its ticky tacky, it should be a 15 yarder.

*end of rant*
I understand your point, and I like it in theory, but the LAST thing I want is for the referees to have any more input into the game. I don't like a whole lot of "gray" area in sports; in other words, I don't want the concept of subjectiveness to be a deciding factor in a team winning or losing a game. As much as the league could put into writing specific things that would decipher between a 15 yard penalty on PI and the spot of the foul, it would still come down to the ref's own conclusion, and that frightens me.

[DUCKIN_TACKLERS]

Not a whole lot of changes just the RIGHT ones...

1,All plays are reviewed in the booth by a ref watching the live game broadcast. I hate that the refs dont always get the same views we get. I want the refs to have only the views we get. Also Coaches only get 1 challenge sence all plays will be reviewed in the Booth. Want a longer look at a call then call a timeout if it is worth it.

2. Have standard Camera views on the Goal lines and make the line thinner so it is easier to see.

3. No tuck rule this is freakin Football why are we looking for reasons to make it a non fumble. Hold on to the ball idiots. Same goes for recieving the ball 2 feet down with possesion then its a catch. Loose it after that Fumble.

4. Only 3 Preseason games. Training Camp is mandatory or an extra game is added to the regular season. Home field going to the team with the better record.

5. Team Players- I hate seeing my favorite players leave because they make to much so I would like to purpose that teams can designate "5 TEAM PLAYERS" These Core Players will recieve discounts toward your cap,but must have a minimum of more than 4 years service for your team. That way we can have players that we identify with our team.

[smoak]

5. Team Players- I hate seeing my favorite players leave because they make to much so I would like to purpose that teams can designate "5 TEAM PLAYERS" These Core Players will recieve discounts toward your cap,but must have a minimum of more than 4 years service for your team. That way we can have players that we identify with our team.

I've been wishing for this change for a long time now. Although my rule would simply be that anyone at 5 year or mor with the team counts less against the cap. The % would be small at first, but escalate as the years went on. For example:

Year 5 - 90%
Year 10 - 50%
Year 15 - 25%

Just pulling the numbers out of my rear end, but that is my thought.

[GWBlitzST]

NO TUCK RULE!!!!! It is ridiculous, especially when the ball goes backwards. And if they're going to have a cut-block rule, then Denver should lead the NFL in penalties every year, not the Raiders.

[FootballNorth]

My original suggestion on taking away the fair catch also came with creating a 4-5 yard required cushion around the receiver at the time he touches it. This works great in the CFL, guaranteeing returns and no one ever gets clocked. If a member of the punting team is within the cushion it is 5 yard penalty for "no yards". If this person goes further and simply disregards the cushion and levels the returner right when he catches it, the penalty is the same as hitting a guy who calls a fair catch.

You will find this rule change would even REDUCE injuries as there will no longer be a punt coverage guy barelling down field and leveling the receiver the second he catches the ball. Can't do it anymore.
________________

I do not like the different point values for field goals. I could just see teams driving down the field deciding to take a loss on a 3rd down play just to get to the next point value on the kick. Anything that can possibly lead to taking a calculated loss on a play I am against. This would be counter productive and way worse than a team who takes a 5 yard delay of game penalty to give their kicker more room to pin a punt deep.

[FootballNorth]

Just pulling the numbers out of my rear end, but that is my thought.

I thought I smelled something!

[X-Factor13]

hmm. how about we change...


THE TUCK RULE

hello? denver game anyone?

[GeneralDisorder]

4. Only 3 Preseason games. Training Camp is mandatory or an extra game is added to the regular season. Home field going to the team with the better record.


Or play 8 at home, 8 away, and the other at a neutral venue. Like, erm... London...

[chrisbcbu]

I would really like to see either having Pass Interference calls reviewable or make them 15 yards max. Inside of 15 its a spot foul. Kinda like the college rules.

[EberKain]

I would like to add one game to the regular season, move one of the preseason games into the regular season, and give everyone two bye weeks. Thats the formula for a 20 week football season with just one more game.

If you want off-the-wall, I think we need to have internet voting for every instant replay to determine the outcome.

[HAWGZHEAD]

If you want off-the-wall, I think we need to have internet voting for every instant replay to determine the outcome.I cna't even imagine that kind of chaos...

[sdredskinsfan]

I like the college system too but for the pro's they would have to change the beginning line of scrimmage for each team to like their own 30 or 40. I think that could work.

Best idea I've heard in a long time. This seems the most fair.

[oldskinfan]

Cap changes
- cap applies only to top 26-36 salaries on team (allows mid-tier vets to stay around team)

OT - don't need college style OT, but guarantee each team gets ball at least once if team the wins coin toss scores on 1st possession.

Special Teams
- 4 pts for FG 50+ yds....like the 3 pointer in basketball...worried about too many FG's? Nah...just think, if you miss the other team gets great field position. Rewards true stud kickers (is that an oxymoron?)

Offense Rules
- move illegal contact from 5 to 10 yds; screw these dink passes, make the WR earn the short stuff or go deep
- in return, there is no offensive pass interference in first 10 yds either (make them fight it out)

Defense Rules
- If you want to "save the QBs" fine...make it two-hand touch for them (just kidding!)