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Preseason is a testing ground for new rules in the NFL, why not the postseason?
Well, the Pro Bowl. Not the playoffs. Collective sigh of competitive teams noted.
The motivation might be different--the NFL wants the games to be more competitive and in-control--but the result could be the same, a legitimate test run for new and different approaches to the game.
Here are the new rules for tonight's game:
- The addition of a two-minute warning after the first and third quarters.The clock will now stop if the offense fails to gain at least 1 yard.
- The game clock will start after an incomplete pass except inside the final two minutes of the first half and the final five minutes of the second half.
- Defenses will be allowed to play cover two and press coverage (In past years only man-to-man coverage was allowed).
- In an attempt to force teams to operate their two-minute drill, both teams will be forced to change possession at the end of each quarter.
- In an attempt to speed up the pace of the game, the play clock will be changed from 40 seconds to 35 seconds.
- Kickoffs have been eliminated and each team will start with the ball on their own 25-yard line.
Primary Source: ESPN
Some of these would be major, arena football-like changes, some might be imminent. I will admit that my favorite is the elimination of the kickoff. This should be great fodder for the comments section.
What is your favorite change of these? Vote in the poll and let us know below.
Happy Pro Bowling! Go......Ravens!!