NFL Passes New Rule Proposals Including One From Colts
The NFL owners passed a handful of new rule proposals today at the league meetings including one by the Indianapolis Colts. No, unfortunately teams won’t be earning 9 points on scoring drives anytime soon. According to Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay, the Colts withdrew their outrageous 9-point touchdown scoring proposal prior to a vote.
However, another proposal by the Colts in which home teams with retractable roofs can open their roofs at halftime if conditions clear up, and it meets certain requirements, was unanimously approved:
NFL also passed the #Colts resolution allowed retractable roof teams to open their roofs at halftime if they meet certain requirements
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 25, 2015
This one seems like a no brainer, as football is ideally an outdoor sport if weather permits. There’s no real reason as to why the roof can’t be opened midway through a game if the outside conditions have improved.
Another more controversial proposal that was approved by NFL owners is one that bans teams (i.e. the New England Patriots) from using ineligible receivers for trickery. Per NFL.com:
"“NFL owners passed Wednesday the rule proposal making the practice of players declaring themselves ineligible and then lining up in the slot illegal. Players reporting ineligible must line up in the tackle box“."
One team in particular was already plenty pleased with the approved proposal:
NFL owners have passed the rule proposal banning the use of ineligible receivers like the Patriots did in the AFC divisional playoffs.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 25, 2015
However, they are likely not the only one. The Colts were also burned by the Patriots use of ineligible receivers in the AFC Championship Game, as New England offensive tackle Nate Solder was used as a tight end for a 16-yard touchdown reception on a 3rd and 1 play that put the Patriots up 24-7 early in the 3rd quarter. Of course, while Solder’s touchdown shouldn’t have counted regardless due to an illegal substitution penalty, now it will be harder to count in the first place.
This rule in particular should ensure that the use of ineligible receivers is used more purely within the spirit of the game, rather than for the obvious trickery and deception that was committed by the Patriots. However, both approved proposals should help make for better football come next season.
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tackle Nate Solder (77) gets past Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker D’Qwell Jackson (52) to score a touchdown on a pass reception in the third quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports