If I Were The Commissioner Of The NFL For A Day...
Video 7/31/22
Today’s NFL is played very differently from the way it was in the past. There are several rules that still exist but had a specific intent many years ago but don't apply as well in today’s game. Many rules should be revisited to ensure each and every rule serves a relevant purpose.
Aside from giving everybody in the officiating department a raise, here are a few changes to the rulebook that I would make if I were the commissioner of the NFL for a day:
First Touch Rule
This is a very complex rule not many fans of the game, or even current players truly understand. Essentially, if the punting team touches the ball first that is known as a “first touch.” First touch is not a foul, but it is a violation. This is a unique rule because of its nomenclature as a violation.
So, what does this mean for the returning team in this situation? They can always go back to that spot where the first touch occurred. The only scenario in which the first touch spot is eliminated is if there is a penalty. That certainly complicates things even more.
The genesis of this rule was to incentivize the return. In today’s NFL, health and safety are emphasized a lot more, so the return should not be incentivized any longer. This can be done by getting rid of the first touch violation.
Interlocking Legs on Field Goals
Interlocking legs on field goals and extra points has been allowed for a long time in the NFL.
Due to offensive lineman and blocker's interlocking legs on kicks, it's virtually impossible for the defensive front to shoot gaps because those gaps don’t really exist. This causes defenders to make leaps which result in dangerous plays.
Field goals and extra points are made at such a high rate compared to years prior, so eliminating interlocking legs would create safer plays and lead to more exciting plays on kicks.
I would propose to get rid of interlocking legs.
Low Block Rule
This is actually a recent rule change the league made. You can block low in the tight end box based on the current rules as long as you don’t violate any other rules such as chop blocks and peel backs. The essence of this rule is to eliminate dangerous blocks out in space.
This rule applies to defenders that do not have many options for what they can do trying to tackle in the open field. This low block rule puts smaller defenders at a disadvantage.
The proposed change is rather than having the low block box be tight end to tight end, extending the low blocking zone sideline to sideline. This would allow smaller defenders to protect themselves in the open field while still eliminating blocks that do not belong in the game.