National Football League (NFL) owners met in Palm Beach, Florida to discuss current affairs around the league including rule changes.
The first rule that was discussed related to overtime rules in the regular season. While the regular season rules previously differed from the playoffs, the owners voted in favor of changing the system. Instead, regular season games will have playoff overtime rules which will include each team getting the ball regardless if a touchdown is scored on the opening possession. With the extra period now being 10 minutes instead of the traditional 15, there could be future concerns if the number of ties or the number of possessions each team gets increases.
Another rule that was discussed related to the tush push. This was a play developed by the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles designed to convert short yardage third and fourth downs into first downs. Currently, the play is being criticized for its safety risks as well as its potential unfair advantages given to offensive players. Despite the problems raised from the tush push, the owners decided to push the vote on this rule to May.
Other big news relating to the NFL was their bid to normalize games being played on Christmas day. During the owners meetings, it was revealed that the league will be broadcasting a triple-header next year, rivaling the National Basketball Association (NBA) for television ratings during the most festive day of the festive season.
Another big news drop from the league was the new method of measuring first downs. During the meetings, it was announced that the NFL would be shifting to Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology as the primary method for this, replacing the chain gang. While they will still serve as the backup crew, the test results with the new technology were successful last season and the league hopes to move forward with it full time.
The next round of owners meetings will take place from May 20- 21 in Minnesota. Different topics of discussion that were shelved will be mentioned again such as the potential banning of the tush push. If there is a vote on it, this is when it would take place along with any other topics that were shelved.
