NFL rule changes
 

Among the proposals that were passed:

• A recommendation to eliminate force-out decisions on pass completions near the sidelines. Now, officials will have to decide only whether a receiver landed inbounds or not. The intended result is more consistency.

• The "Phil Dawson field goal rule." Now, certain field goals can be reviewed by instant replay, including kicks that bounce off the uprights. Under the previous system, no field goals could be reviewed.

• Deferring the opening coin toss. This is similar to the college rule. Previously, the winner of the coin toss could choose only to receive or to kick off.

• A direct snap from center that goes backward will now be treated as a fumble. Previously, it was ruled a false start.

• Eliminating the 5-yard face mask penalty. Now, only the serious face mask will be called (and will be assessed as a 15-yard penalty). The major foul will involve twisting or grabbing the face mask.

Re: NFL rule changes
 

Ok I like the face mask one... it really sucked when there was a hand on a mask and nothing happened except player realizing where it was and hurriedly removed it. Take on yards giving up a first down just didn't seem right.

Re: NFL rule changes
 

I to like the face mask one. The "Phil Dawson field goal rule." Now, certain field goals can be reviewed by instant replay, including kicks that bounce off the uprights. Under the previous system, no field goals could be reviewed.

Re: NFL rule changes
 

Sounds like very nice changes. There is one that I am not too sure how it works, if anyone can fully explain the "deferring the opening coin toss" I would love to understand what that really means.

I really like the new face mask rule, just touching the mask really should not be a penalty.

Re: NFL rule changes
 

I thought they were going to get rid of the "Ice The Kicker TO™" a la Shanahan? I guess not?

Re: NFL rule changes
 

works just like in college football... say the saints win the toss.. they can defer to the 2nd half.. their opponent would then choose to kick off or receive.. at the start of the 2nd half the saints would then choose to either kickoff or receive...

Re: NFL rule changes
 

pakowitz - Thank you for explaining that. As you can tell I do not watch much college ball. LOL.

Re: NFL rule changes
 

what about that calling a timeout as a play is run.. like a fg that was made.. then get taken back for a bogus timeout..

Re: NFL rule changes
 

What about the long hair thing?? Have they decided on that yet? Mikes gonna be pissed if he has to cut off his hair. Palomauo or how ever you spell it from the steelers cant cut his hair. Its against his religion. Thats no joke. I think if they vote for players to cut their hair I will be very mad at that decision :moan:

Re: NFL rule changes
 

Me too son!!! I love to see idiots get yanked down by their wigs...

There should never be a game that ends without at least ONE dread lock on the field. :twisted: