Episode 1: How to Fix the...NFL

[Cryomaniac]

Originally Posted by Sweed

I've always wondered though what is the call if a DT pushes the C or G back far enough that the ball hits an offensive lineman? Illegal touch and a penalty? Are they going to call it? It's just a stupid rule, along with many others, that the NFL has come up with.

They changed the illegal touching rule so it has to be intentional to be called now.

[dudeosu]

I think the new UFL overtime rules are pretty nice. It's kind of a mix between the NFL and college. Both teams get a possession but after that it's sudden death.

Personally though I like the college rules better. Some may not like it but I find it fun. I don't mind high scoring games.

[phenom]

The NFL could implement one strategy that would encompass most of the suggestions here:

Don't make it about the money.

Until they do that, many of you are living in la-la land.

[mlyons]

Get rid of helmets and pads, or at least ones made from rigid plastic.

No, seriously. I actually have a sneaky suspicion that there would be fewer serious injuries without them. Definitely fewer concussions.

[Sweed]

Originally Posted by Cryomaniac

They changed the illegal touching rule so it has to be intentional to be called now.

Wasn't aware of that, new for this year?

[Jason Moyer]

The NFL would interest me more (i.e. at all) if they'd just adopt college rules. Or at least, most of them.

[Cryomaniac]

Originally Posted by Sweed

Wasn't aware of that, new for this year?

I think so.

[jbergey22]

You guys are getting pretty crazy with your rule changes. Taking kicking out of the game and its a completely different game.

Id like OT resolved by first team to 6 wins. Therefore getting 30 yards and kicking a FG doesnt win the game.

Id also do something to open up the running game again so we can get some of them different wishbone type offenses back in the NFL. Id have to think more on this however.

[CBL-Commish]

Implement a rugby-like rule that the PAT is snapped from the spot where the touchdown crossed the goal line. Dive for the pylon, and you get to try the PAT from almost on the sidelines.

I also like the suggestion from earlier on that the player scoring the TD has to kick the extra point.

Just for fun I'd like to see the NFL use soccer-style timekeeping. The refs keep the real clock on the field, and the goal is to have ~60 minutes of actual action. Games would last for days.

Agree with the suggestion that the sport would be better without modern helmets and most of the pads. The transition period would be hell, though. Free safetys used to running all out into a reciever would probably forget and die without the padding.

[MorseMoose]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Id also do something to open up the running game again so we can get some of them different wishbone type offenses back in the NFL. Id have to think more on this however.

Isn't that the point of the college field (with the hash marks so far apart)? I like that.

[Cryomaniac]

I personally see no reason why a well coached, fast offence couldn't run the option in the NFL. Coaches are just too afraid to try it.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by Cryomaniac

I personally see no reason why a well coached, fast offence couldn't run the option in the NFL. Coaches are just too afraid to try it.

Analysts have said it is because the DEnds are too big and would kill the QB. However Georgia Tech is running the option at a high level college program and doing very well with it. Im not seeing how VTech, Miami, and FSU have much worse DEs than they do at the pro level.

[BaseballMan]

Id like to see less holding calls or maybe reduce it to 5 yards. I think its 10 right now isnt it? But holding could be called on almost any down. I hate seeing a team driving only for 1 penalty to put them in a 1st and 20. I dont mind if the defense did something to make it 1st and 20 but not when the ref decides to throw a flag. I can understand if it is completely obvious but if it looks like it would be questionable i wish the refs would let them play.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by BaseballMan

Id like to see less holding calls or maybe reduce it to 5 yards. I think its 10 right now isnt it? But holding could be called on almost any down. I hate seeing a team driving only for 1 penalty to put them in a 1st and 20. I dont mind if the defense did something to make it 1st and 20 but not when the ref decides to throw a flag. I can understand if it is completely obvious but if it looks like it would be questionable i wish the refs would let them play.

I actually brought this up yesterday oddly enough. The 10 yard penalty pretty much stalls a drive in the NFL which makes the penalty to harsh IMO.

[His Own Bad Self]

Originally Posted by jbergey22

Analysts have said it is because the DEnds are too big and would kill the QB. However Georgia Tech is running the option at a high level college program and doing very well with it. Im not seeing how VTech, Miami, and FSU have much worse DEs than they do at the pro level.

I just checked this, as I was intrigued. It looks like the average DE at those schools this year is listed at around 235.

In contrast, the average NFL DE over the last two season weighs roughly 275, and is probably faster than the aforementioned ACC DE. There would be your explanation.

I'd like to see the option on the pro level, too, but until the players stop drugging, er... never mind.

[jbergey22]

Originally Posted by His Own Bad Self

I just checked this, as I was intrigued. It looks like the average DE at those schools this year is listed at around 235.

In contrast, the average NFL DE over the last two season weighs roughly 275, and is probably faster than the aforementioned ACC DE. There would be your explanation.

I'd like to see the option on the pro level, too, but until the players stop drugging, er... never mind.

Surprising it is that huge of difference. Thanks for looking that up.

[timmermac]

Rule change: All NFL teams must run the spread offense as practiced by the University of Oregon. Games would be much more fun to watch. Games must be officiated according to college rules.

[MorseMoose]

OoooOoooo...put a second logo on the Steelers helmet. That always bugged me.

[jazzrack]

you guys and your college rules, just stick to watching college and leave the real game to the rest of US. when a college game hits OT, i hit the off button, go i hate the junk, it is no longer football, it a gimmick.

there is only a few things i would change, less but longer commercial breaks, bills have to be paid, i get that. return the fun in NFL

[His Own Bad Self]

Originally Posted by MorseMoose

I'm watching to be entertained and to see if my team wins or loses. A tie is not and should not be a valid outcome.

I don't see how "a tie is not a valid outcome" except by preference and/or by rule. (I know, I know... 'I don't see how "a tie is a valid outcome" except by preference and/or by rule.' Very well, then.)

I believe that "a valid outcome" is whatever a sports league says it is ('signed, Dick Bavetta'). And if a game can result in a tie... well, the league doesn't care, not if you're still watching it.