Sports

New Proposals Could Fundamentally Change How NFL Games Operate

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports via Reuters

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Ted Goodman Contributor
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The National Football League is considering two rules changes that could fundamentally alter the pace of the game.

One would allow coaches to challenge all penalties and the other would give coaches an unlimited number of challenges as long as they’re successful.

The Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills have submitted the proposal that would allow coaches to challenge all penalties, according to Pro Football Talk. The proposal did not include a call for unlimited use of the challenge, which was submitted by the Washington Redskins.

Under the current rules, teams are allotted two challenges and a third if the first two are successful. Coaches cannot currently challenge penalties, which is what Seattle and Buffalo proposes.

The NFL Competition Committee, a group of eight owners, coaches and front office personnel, holds its meeting in Glendale, Arizona this week to discuss proposed rules changes. (RELATED: John Elway Urges Senate To Confirm Gorsuch)

The committee presents a report of the proposals to the 32 owners, who votes on the proposals. In order for a rule to be adopted, 24 owners must vote yes on the proposed change. (RELATED: NFL Owners Won’t Sign Kaepernick Because They’re Scared Trump Will Tweet About Them)

The idea of allowing the use of unlimited coaches challenges may clash with the league’s goal of eliminating game play interruptions. While analysts submit a plethora of explanations for depressed television ratings, the way commercials and officiating interrupts the flow of the game has been highly cited.

Permitting coaches to challenge penalties, which can often dramatically alter the course of a game, may have some support among the league, but the NFL is notoriously hesitant to change its instant replay regime.

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