Two more proposals have been added to the docket for consideration during the upcoming Annual League Meeting, which is scheduled for March 30 through April 1.
First up: the kickoff. The NFL debuted the dynamic kickoff format last season with the goal of improving player safety and bringing new excitement to a play that had largely lost its luster, and the league would like to make the change permanent -- with some minor adjustments.
The proposal, submitted by the league's Competition Committee on Wednesday, includes a change to touchbacks, moving the ball spot from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line on kicks sent into the end zone, further incentivizing kicking teams to send the ball into the landing zone instead of the end zone and thus, producing more returns. The proposal also opens up restrictions regarding when a kicking team is allowed to attempt an onside kick, eliminating the fourth-quarter requirement while preserving the condition they must be trailing in order to declare an onside kick. Finally, the proposal also includes changes to alignment requirements for both kicking and receiving teams.
Confusion briefly reigned regarding onside kick rules during a Monday night game last season played between the Ravens and Buccaneers, in which internet searches returned incorrect results regarding purported limitations to the number of onside kick attempts allowed in a game. There were no limitations on total attempts, only the requirement they occur in the fourth quarter. This proposal would eliminate the latter requirement, further clarifying the rule while also offering teams a chance to onside kick earlier if they so desire.
Another proposal should resonate with fans who want replay officials to play a larger role in accurately officiating games. The competition committee proposed expanding replay officials' ability to advise on-field officials "on specific, objective aspects of a play and/or address game administration issues when clear and obvious video evidence is present," effectively empowering those with video at their disposal to help on-field officials make correct calls in a timely manner.
If the proposal passes a flag can be picked up if "clear and obvious video evidence exists" in the following: defenseless player, facemask, horse collar, tripping and roughing/running into kicker.
With two more proposals now on the agenda, the league's decision-makers will have a substantial number of changes to consider. All proposals must be approved by 75% (24) of the clubs to be adopted.
