Does the NFL Need to Tweak Their New Touchdown Review Rule?
by Bob_Q on Aug 24, 2011 9:00 PM EDT
in Philadelphia Eagles News
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PrintAside from the NFL's widely unpopular new kickoff rule, there is another change to the league's rule book that isn't getting quite as much publicity: the new toudchown review rule. In a nutshell, the new rule dictates that there will be an automatic review of any scoring play that occurs on the field. This has the added bonus of allowing coaches to save their challenges on such plays.
The Eagles have already seen this new rule work in their favor during their first preseason game against the Ravens. Early in the third quarter, Mike Kafka was sacked by Pernell McPhee and appeared to have surrendered a fumble to the Ravens defense. However, after Lardarius Webb returned the ball 93 yards for a called touchdown, the play was reviewed and the officials determined that Kafka's fumble was, in fact, an incomplete pass, invalidating the touchdown.
At first glance, this new touchdown rule may seem like a godsend to teams who have frequently suffered at the hands of scoring plays that were too close to call. However, after tuning in to Ross Tucker's interview with former NFL Head of Officiating Mike Pereira on SiriusXM this morning, I'm beginning to think that the rule might need some tweaking.
In the interview, Pereira made a very good point that the rule only works one way. Reviews occur automatically only for plays in which a touchdown is called. While this may not seem like a big deal, since coaches still have the ability to challenge plays they believe to be touchdowns, it might be the start of a disturbing trend.
More after the jump...
Let me be clear: I'm not trying to make mountains out of molehills, but this new rule has the potential to lead to fewer scores each game. Since, as Pereira pointed out, it can only serve to invalidate a score, the only thing the new touchdown review rule does is eliminate any human error on one side of the ball. Oh, and don't think that the officials will compensate for the new rule by calling more touchdowns and then leaving the decision up to the replay assistants. Pereira answered that question by pointing out that there is no way that the NFL officiating office would instruct their officials to utilize anything other than their instincts, which is as it should be.
Besides the Eagles-Ravens matchup, the new rule has altered the outcome of a game twice so far this preseason. The first negated touchdown occurred during the Rams' battle against the Colts, when A.J. Feeley's pass to Danario Alexander was ruled an incompletion. The second instance stole away a touchdown from Texans' QB T.J. Yates after the replay assistant ruled that receiver Lestar Jean did not break the plane.
Personally, I think that if the NFL is going to leave the scoring decisions up to the replay assistants, then they should go all-in. Either review both scoring plays and non-scoring plays or simply allow for human error and go back to the old system of using coaches' challenges only. What do you think?
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So you’re suggestion would be for the replay assistants to look at every play? Or just close scoring plays?
*Close plays that were not ruled touchdowns I mean.
by Eaglesadvocate on Aug 24, 2011 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd be fine with that
But whether they add that aspect or not, I think this new rule is great. Scoring plays have such a huge impact on a game. I’d hate to have a game decided on a touchdown when the coach has zero challenges left and a replay clearly shows it’s not a touchdown. That type of thing is just not right.
BTW, a lot of people’s argument is that these reviews are going to extend the length of the games. First of all, it might extend them by 10 or 15 minutes on average at most. And second, I’m fine with that as long we they’re getting the touchdown calls right.
Good post though.
No
It need to be a coaches challenge. Teams lose no challeges during TD reviews.
Rule fixed and game dont last 5 hours.
Teams might just chsllenge every scoring play
Wouldn’t shorten the game any.
by nyeaglesfan624 on Aug 24, 2011 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions
True
That would probably make it last twice as long. If it’s free, why wouldn’t you challenge every TD? It would be irresponsible not to.
Right now they are reviewing every play ther refs call a TD.
If they let coaches challenge every potential touchdown, without losing a challenge, games would be even more drawn out.
by nyeaglesfan624 on Aug 25, 2011 3:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Irresponsible? with challenges?
Don’t know a single coach that wouldn’t challenge if they were free…
by LargeVee on Aug 24, 2011 11:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This might add *AT MOST* like 10-15 min/game
and why not get the call right every time? If it’s not a touchdown, it shouldn’t count.
Nope.
by bigmeanie08 on Aug 24, 2011 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions
i liked the old way
Reporter: "What have you done for T.O., besides getting him suspended?"
Drew Rosenhaus: "Next question."
by So. Cal Swag on Aug 24, 2011 9:15 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I’m with Bob on this, use it for TDs and questionable goal line plays. It’s the only way to make it work fairly.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
How would you define a 'questionable goal line play' though?
The rule as it stands applies in the exact same way to every team and can only increase the accuracy of refereeing decisions.
When you start getting into the nuances of “Plays are automatically reviewed if 1) a catch is ruled out of bounds in the end zone, 2) a ‘questionable’ dropped ball is called in the end zone 3) a player is downed within 1 yard of the end zone but is ruled not to have made the touchdown etc” it all becomes subjective and you re-introduce human error into the equation.
The downside to the current system is that Baltimore would have been better off in that preseason game if the player had been downed in the red-zone rather than making the TD – at least that way they would have forced Reid to throw the flag.
My preference would be to abandon this rule completely and maybe give the coaches an extra challenge that they can only use if a play finishes up in the red-zone or something.
It would have to be at the referees’ discretion with them encouraged to use it liberally, probably with the requirement that only one official has to ask for it to get it. It would not be perfect, but neither were the previous or current systems.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
True, but from the league’s point of view, if they get one of those wrong it’s gonna look really bad. It’s one thing if a coach doesn’t throw the flag when he should; the fans will blame the coach. But if the referee doesn’t call for a review and it later turns out that it should’ve been a TD, people will blame the league.
At least with the way the rule is now, everybody knows what the situation is and can’t get upset when a call is made. Once you add the referees’ discretion, you increase the chances of someone embarrassing the league.
If it increases the odds of the right call being made, that’s enough for me. It would have to be discretionary though, or every 1st and 1 could turn into huge timesinks.
AR should have to wear a Flava Flav necklace until he learns how to manage a fucking clock.
I am the proud target of temper tantrums.
Since Andy Reid doesn’t always make the best challenge decisions*, I vote to keep this rule because I think it will help us more than it could hurt us.
- (Per an article written in Nov 09: Andy Reid has had only 15 of his 46 challenges (32.6 pct.) overturned since 2000. In the last five seasons, he has gotten only 5 of 26 challenges (19.2) correct.)
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by PhiladelphiaEagles on Aug 24, 2011 9:18 PM EDT reply actions
I’m with you. Any time we can take challenges away from Andy Reid, I feel good about. I’m fairly certain he tries to use them to challenge the veggies that show up on his dinner plate.
Let the beasting begin.
by TransplantedFan on Aug 24, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
This is a ridiculous rule.
I say extend the amount of coaches challenges to 3, and if you get all 3 right, then you can keep going until you’re wrong.
Team Intervention:
Greg Jones
Tyler Sash
Jason Pierre-Paul
Will Beatty
Justin Trattou
by BigBlueIntervention on Aug 24, 2011 9:28 PM EDT reply actions
Exactly.
As it stands now, if a coach challenges 2 plays, and gets them overturned, he only gets one more challenge. Why should the coach be penalized because a ref got the call wrong? Start with two challenges as it is. If you get it right, you should just simply not lose the ability to challenge a call.
And the TD review should only be for close calls, not obvious ones. It takes away some of the excitement of the TD
I will be at the season opener NYG @ WAS with a few friends. If you are going and feel like looking up a fellow BBVer and having some fun, let me know.
I'm pretty sure they don't review the obvious ones
Have you watched the games so far?
Nope.
by bigmeanie08 on Aug 24, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Only the Giants games in their entirety.
Maybe we have different views on ‘obvious.’
I will be at the season opener NYG @ WAS with a few friends. If you are going and feel like looking up a fellow BBVer and having some fun, let me know.
agreed
and if the league doesn’t want this to do this full-tilt (which they should) they could just give you 3 challenges, and if you get any end-zone challenge correct then you don’t lose a challenge, but keep the challenge rule the same for everything else. I’ve always thought you should be able to challenge as much as you want while you have the currency to pay for it (e.g. time outs)
by IwearNumber20 on Aug 25, 2011 2:08 AM EDT up reply actions
This is something I think will happen one of these years.
I will be at the season opener NYG @ WAS with a few friends. If you are going and feel like looking up a fellow BBVer and having some fun, let me know.
eliminate it
This is just another chance to sell commercials. I can imagine 1st and goal , 4 play goal line stands turning into the most boring and dreaded situation ever, even if your team is on defense. Look , they all ran into each other, now, please watch this toyota commercial with the jingle that makes you want to kill your mother 3 times while we determine that nothing is conclusive, again .
And of course, if the offense scores, we then have 5 minutes of no action ( but plenty of toyota jingles) which we wait for the ridiculous kickoff commercials to get out of the way of the damn game
Balances out other advantages
Yes, the way the rule is written implies touchdowns calls can only be reversed. However, NFL offenses already enjoy large benefits from the existing rulebook. Considering all the regulations that make life more difficult for defenses, I find it refreshing this new rule, barring situations similar to the PHI vs. BAL game, can actually benefit defenses.
The views expressed by this comment belong to they who wrote them, heretofore referred to as "comment maker."
The views do not reflect the official views of the comment makers employer.
The views do not reflect the official views of the organization through which the Internet was accessed by the comment maker.
Scenario That May Never Happen But Could..
Eagles/Cowboys, Games Tied with 2:30 left with the Cowboys in FG position, and the Cowboys are all out of challenges . Romo drops back to pass and as he’s about to throw Cole strips Romo, ruled a fumble on the field. and picks it up and starts returning it the other way uncontested for a TD. Old replay rules no problem, it’s an Eagles TD because the Cowboys have no challenges. With the new rules, Cole should take a knee on the 1 yard line to ensure that it is not a TD for the Eagles that would not be under automatic review. Like I said it might never happen, but now there is a scenario where the team would blatantly not score a TD just so there is no review.
always a loop hole
and i am sure it will happen.
by Philly O's on Aug 24, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
that reminds me of Westbrook not scoring that TD that one time.
Team Intervention:
Greg Jones
Tyler Sash
Jason Pierre-Paul
Will Beatty
Justin Trattou
by BigBlueIntervention on Aug 24, 2011 10:13 PM EDT up reply actions
yup
Not as many players who are as smart as BWest was to do that
Hit Squad is in the house! 60 minutes, balls out; let's open up the whole can of kick ass and kill 'em all! Let the paramedics sort 'em out!!
That play is a highlight if Westie’s career. I laughed when he did it. Must’ve been terrible to be a Dallas fan watching the clock tick. Haha…
by 92-74-99-96 on Aug 25, 2011 7:19 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
or someone who had Westy and lost by less than a TD in fantasy!
I still remember initially being like “WTF?” until it became clear why he did that, haha
Hit Squad is in the house! 60 minutes, balls out; let's open up the whole can of kick ass and kill 'em all! Let the paramedics sort 'em out!!
You’re right. More than one fantasy team suffered on that play. Haha…
by 92-74-99-96 on Aug 25, 2011 8:52 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Runyan told him to do it in the huddle.
The views expressed by this comment belong to they who wrote them, heretofore referred to as "comment maker."
The views do not reflect the official views of the comment makers employer.
The views do not reflect the official views of the organization through which the Internet was accessed by the comment maker.
Great example, and it could happen
I will be at the season opener NYG @ WAS with a few friends. If you are going and feel like looking up a fellow BBVer and having some fun, let me know.
wow
never would’ve thought of that. thanks for making me feel stupid. j/k. I’d say if that happens, that’s good strategy and gamesmanship in my opinion. I mean you still give something up in that case, you’re still not guaranteed to score from the 1 yd line.
by IwearNumber20 on Aug 25, 2011 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions
More money for the owners
Seems to me this is one of those rules that the owners will love.
It will keep the game on TV longer.
Probably add a few more commercials and a few million bucks profit to each game.
I doubt there is another fan who is more supportive of expanding instant replay (in all sports), but this is a dumb rule.
Eliminate this rule, and just allow more plays to be challenged. I’d like to see game changing penalties (or non penalties) a challengeable play. Any change of possession that’s not a punt. Any play within two minutes.
But don’t change the amount of challenges.
Eagles next starting QB: "East-West Shrine Game Legend" Mike Kafka
Flyers: Sigh
Phillies:Gah enough with the injuries!.
I have yet
to see a replay that takes me more than 3 angles to see if it was a TD. 3 replays = 40 seconds. Get rid of the dumb beer commercials……try bud light ha
Joe Banner is Evil Banners father. Kinda like Luke and Darth Vader.
Juan Castillo switching from the offensive line coach to Defensive coordinator is soooo dumb it might just work.
Our defense will not be a top 10 defense this year.
by MightyJoeBanner on Aug 24, 2011 11:13 PM EDT reply actions
I vote we just adopt the college system. To me, that’s the one that makes the most sense.
by philiafan14364 on Aug 24, 2011 11:23 PM EDT reply actions
Saw Pereira talk about this on T.V. and I have to agree with him.
Also saw a touchdown get swept away because the player who scored had his helmet pulled off when they tried to tackle him.
Not only lost the TD but also had 5 yard penalty tacked on against him.
New rule: play is dead as soon as players helmet is off. Remember Witten loosing helmet against Birds? Well this yr that would be called back, and cowpukes would get penalty. Wondering how many helmets get pulled off in redzone this yr?
The explanation I heard on NFLN
Was that there will be a replay review any time only one official is able to make the TD call. If a second official confirms the first TD sign, there will be no replay. The second official is supposed to be sure of his call.
There was a replay in the Giants-Bears game. Hixon caught a TD. Ball caught in his hands and pulled to his stomach. Landed on his ass in the end zone, falling to his back. Ball on top of him the entire time. The idiots went to replay.
Team Okpokowuruk
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun."
I voted to eliminate it, but tweaking it is probably okay if...
Coaches should get 2 challenges, both correct, then a 3rd, still correct, then unlimited until they get one wrong. Coaches challenges are part of a good coach.. I don’t like the new easy-mode rule.
Gamesmanship
I like the old rule with the coaches having to do the challenge. This just adds to the chess match that is the game. You only challenge when it matters. and if you do a bad job and you don’t have a challenge late in the game that’s your own damn fault.
One of the more dramatic moments after watching a team score is seeing the other coach deciding to challenge or not…
Agreed. Although...
Anything to help AR’s less-than-stellar track record with challenges is probably a GOOD thing..haha
Hit Squad is in the house! 60 minutes, balls out; let's open up the whole can of kick ass and kill 'em all! Let the paramedics sort 'em out!!
Go to the college system
How long is it going to take the NFL to get it right when college football has had it down for years?
This is a fucking idiotic rule in the first place.
Why don’t they just have automatic reviews of EVERY play. Picture this: Adrian Peterson goes off-tackle for 4 yards. But the ball is spotted 5 yards downfield. This flagrant injustice must be corrected, for this malfeasance places the defense at a competitive disadvantage. The only way out is to have a 5 minute booth review of the spot of the ball. For every play of the game.
Q: What do a leaky tampon and Sean McDermott's defense have in common?
A: They are equally ineffective in the red zone.
Ed Wade=all the farm system the Phillies will ever need.
THat was my thought when I first heard the rule. They should just review every potential scoring play.
I don’t really care much for people saying it disturbs the flow of the game. There’s a commercial every five minutes that disturbs the flow and adds nothing directly to the quality of the game.
"Descartes commanded the future from his study more than Napoleon did from his throne."
by Euler.is.a.Pimp on Aug 25, 2011 9:01 AM EDT reply actions
Ugh. I really don’t like this rule. I also don’t like the helmetless rule. And I hate the kickoff rule.
by andlee87 on Aug 25, 2011 9:57 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Who cares?
Like really…..
Sorry but referees call it as they see it…I have no problem with that…..
If they review a TD that is NOT a TD then fine…. in reality isnt one anyways so try it again….
Movin on….
FLY #7 FLY !!!
In MUDD I trust !!!
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