Proposed Rule Changes for 2011

[Da Schwab]

This report just came out about a few changes the NFL is trying to implement for the (possible) 2011 season. It includes changes to kickoffs and expanded rules for illegal hits. Here are some of those changes:

Rules defining a defenseless player will be expanded and now will include eight categories:

• A quarterback in the act of throwing;
• A receiver trying to catch a pass;
• A runner already in the grasp of tacklers and having his forward progress stopped;
• A player fielding a punt or a kickoff;
• A kicker or punter during the kick;
• A quarterback at any time after change of possession;
• A receiver who receives a blind-side block;
• A player already on the ground.

The league's competition committee plans to propose at next week's owners meetings moving the kickoff up to the 35-yard line and bringing a touchback out to the 25. It also will propose making all scoring plays reviewable by the replay official.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6223700

I understand that the league wants guys like James Harrison to be punished for being a thug, but some of those new 'defenseless' rules are ridiculous.

[studcrackers]

so we're getting closer and closer to qb's just having red jerseys put on them, nice to see

and touchbacks to the 25?

also heard they arent changing that mind numbingly (Please Use More Appropriate Word) calvin johnson catch rule

[Icness]

I actually like the change on kickoffs. If the players have any integrity on improving the safety of the game they'll love it too. Something like 30% of all injuries that cause IR come on special teams, which are less than 12% of all plays. I support the idea of mandatory fair catch inside your own 10 yard line too, which was something they floated a couple years ago.

The "runner in the grasp" has long been a sore point for me. If he's down then blow the damn whistle. I can't tell you how many times I've seen guys get flagged for late hits or guys take huge shots that create mayhem and/or injuries on plays where if the official blew his whistle properly, all would have been avoided. They're directed to swallow the whistle if there's any chance for the play to break out, but then if something happens they flag the defense. That's just asinine

[Geddy]

The ones for QBs are pretty silly. Look forward to seeing flags on every other play for contact on the QB.

[cochiseuofm]

A QB in the act of throwing? That is ridiculous, that means if they prop their arm back and just sit in the pocket no one can ever hit them? Why not just let them wear red shirts during games?

[SpeedyG]

Starting to lose a lot of my passion for this game...

[IrishRainbow]

Is this the NFLPA? Are they proposing this? (I think it said in the OP but my mind escapes me now) Is this how the owners get what they want? 16 games of real football >>>>> 18 games of flag football. This has to be shot down. The QBs already have too much protection. I haven't a clue as to what that WR in the process of catching a ball means...that wouldn't even pass in a neighborhood game of 500. Ridiculous proposal(s) that should not see the light of day. Shame on those for doing so, shame on those that may consider it, disgust with those that would pass it. I hope to God that these are simply as outlandish as they are to try and make a point and form as some sort of negotiating starting point. I simply can not enough.

[TSE]

Starting to lose a lot of my passion for this game...

Yeah the NFL is kind of the like the world's hottest supermodel that suddenly approaches you for some crazy reason and asks YOU out on a date, but come to find out she's not into sex and wants to remain an asexual virgin for the rest of her life. Oh for cryin' out loud, you gotta be kiddin' me, what's with my luck that I get the greatest tease of all-time, you could so easily be like heaven on earth without even trying let alone if you put forth a serious effort, good grief!

[ZaQ-]

I actually like the change on kickoffs. If the players have any integrity on improving the safety of the game they'll love it too. Something like 30% of all injuries that cause IR come on special teams, which are less than 12% of all plays. I support the idea of mandatory fair catch inside your own 10 yard line too, which was something they floated a couple years ago.

It's a terrible idea. The ideal strategy would NOT be to go for a touchback, rather kickoffs would best be placed around the 5 yard line with good hang time and you would likely see average starting field position plummet. Hell, in overtime it may be the best strategy to kick off.

There may be reasonable ways to improve special teams safety, but this proposal is not one of them. Mandatory fair catch inside the 10 is also not one of them. That might be the dumbest thing I've ever heard. It would be far too easy to pin an opponent after scoring a touchdown.

[cochiseuofm]

I don't like the new rule for kickoffs at all. It makes the game less exciting and really diminishes the importance of special teams in the games. I understand the numbers behind it, that a large portion of players get severely injured and lose a season. But what I don't think anyone is really talking about is how it affects the livelihood of all of those players who are now safer. With kickoffs less important, how likely is it that teams will continue to spend whatever they spend today on those players? How likely is it that a player like Hester or Cribbs gets a chance to prove they can be a turning factor in a game?

I mean seriously, why not just make the rule that the other team always starts at the 20 after a score?

Yeah the NFL is kind of the like the world's hottest supermodel that suddenly approaches you for some crazy reason and asks YOU out on a date, but come to find out she's not into sex and wants to remain an asexual virgin for the rest of her life. Oh for cryin' out loud, you gotta be kiddin' me, what's with my luck that I get the greatest tease of all-time, you could so easily be like heaven on earth without even trying let alone if you put forth a serious effort, good grief!

No offense dude, but worst analogy ever.

[TSE]

No offense dude, but worst analogy ever.

That's fine I'm not offended. It wasn't constructed to be the best or most accurate analogy ever. It was inspired to be a comical analogy. I thought it was funny and I figured some others would find it funny in addition to a chance that others might not see the humor in it. Just trying to be original and creative is all, so I took a shot. I'm sorry you didn't like it.

[Harry Palmer]

Those are insane. I've played in tougher flag leagues.

[Dirty Water]

Welcome back baseball! America's beloved pasttime once again!