Which NFL rule(s) would you like to see changed?
26 replies
I think the NFL comes as close to perfection as any sport. What makes it great is you have a good deal of parity which gives just about every team a chance to compete for a SB ring. You also always have some nice upsets every week and some great games. I do think there are some rules which kind of detract from the NFL. Here are three things I would change:
1. No excessive celebration penalties after TD's. I think a guy should be able to celebrate anyway he wants to, as long as there is not a delay of game. I know Chad Johnson and TO can be annoying, but I don't think there is anything wrong with doing the Riverdance or pulling out a sharpie and signing a football after a score. The NFL shouldn't be the NoFunLeague.;
2. The Tuck Rule: It seems like since that play where Tom Brady and the Pats screwed the Raiders, they have made things more complicated. To me the QB is either throwing it or making a shuffle pass, or he is NOT throwing it. If a QB's is in a throwing position but the ball doesn't actually leave his hand and he gets hit and fumbles it, then it should be a fumble,,,,end of story. No tuck rule, no arm moving forward rule. The NFL had it right originally and made things worse by putting in the tuck rule.;
3. Too many penalties called against guys touching/hitting the QB. You cannot breath on the QB these days without being called for a penalty. There are way too many late hit penalties and roughing the QB penalties...this is football....it's not intramurals!!!!!!! I miss seeing guys like Dick Butkis and Jack Lambert hammering the QB's. That was real football. :lol:
3. Too many penalties called against guys touching/hitting the QB. You cannot breath on the QB these days without being called for a penalty. There are way too many late hit penalties and roughing the QB penalties...this is football....it's not intramurals!!!!!!! I miss seeing guys like Dick Butkis and Jack Lambert hammering the QB's. That was real football.
Same here.
2. The Tuck Rule: It seems like since that play where Tom Brady and the Pats screwed the Raiders, they have made things more complicated. To me the QB is either throwing it or making a shuffle pass, or he is NOT throwing it. If a QB's is in a throwing position but the ball doesn't actually leave his hand and he gets hit and fumbles it, then it should be a fumble,,,,end of story. No tuck rule, no arm moving forward rule. The NFL had it right originally and made things worse by putting in the tuck rule.
For sanity sake, I agree. To me a QB is actually and always a RB 1st and foremost...if the ball hasnt left their arm via a pass attempt then they are simply a RB that carries the ball in a stupid fashion (LOL).
Hit 'em and if the ball was still in there possession and not in the air via a pass attempt (not simply arm going forward) then its a fumble. Plain and simple!
BDH -
"To me, there are three things we all should do every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy.
"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."
Jimmy V. (Mar '93)
1. No excessive celebration penalties after TD's. I think a guy should be able to celebrate anyway he wants to, as long as there is not a delay of game. I know Chad Johnson and TO can be annoying, but I don't think there is anything wrong with doing the Riverdance or pulling out a sharpie and signing a football after a score. The NFL shouldn't be the NoFunLeague.
No, act like you intended to score...you dont need to be annoying. Move on, kick it off, and try to do it again. Any stupidity bringing attention to yourself is still stupidity!!!!
BDH -
"To me, there are three things we all should do every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy.
"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."
Jimmy V. (Mar '93)
"Roman529 wrote:
I think the NFL comes as close to perfection as any sport. What makes it great is you have a good deal of parity which gives just about every team a chance to compete for a SB ring. You also always have some nice upsets every week and some great games. I do think there are some rules which kind of detract from the NFL. Here are three things I would change:
1. No excessive celebration penalties after TD's. I think a guy should be able to celebrate anyway he wants to, as long as there is not a delay of game. I know Chad Johnson and TO can be annoying, but I don't think there is anything wrong with doing the Riverdance or pulling out a sharpie and signing a football after a score. The NFL shouldn't be the NoFunLeague.;
2. The Tuck Rule: It seems like since that play where Tom Brady and the Pats screwed the Raiders, they have made things more complicated. To me the QB is either throwing it or making a shuffle pass, or he is NOT throwing it. If a QB's is in a throwing position but the ball doesn't actually leave his hand and he gets hit and fumbles it, then it should be a fumble,,,,end of story. No tuck rule, no arm moving forward rule. The NFL had it right originally and made things worse by putting in the tuck rule.;
3. Too many penalties called against guys touching/hitting the QB. You cannot breath on the QB these days without being called for a penalty. There are way too many late hit penalties and roughing the QB penalties...this is football....it's not intramurals!!!!!!! I miss seeing guys like Dick Butkis and Jack Lambert hammering the QB's. That was real football. :lol:
I completely agree with #2 and #3, but I have to take a hardcore stance on #1.
That is an extremely slippery slope and I am glad the NFL has finally stopped the non-sense.
I sure don't tune in to a football game just to see who is going to make the biggest ass of themselves...I would watch Wrestling if I wanted that Barnum and Baily attitude and experience...
I REALLY enjoyed watching the likes of Barry Sanders and Walter Payton who would just turn and hand the ball to the Ref as in " I have been here before, and I will be here again...but with class and dignity"... :up:
"Jt0323 wrote:
id like to see First team who scores in OT wins rule changed...
Agree... Throw in another 15-minute period and let the teams duke it out... :up:
Get dirty, get bloody, get sweaty...
...get happy.
-Cam Wake
"Colorado Dolfan wrote:
Agree... Throw in another 15-minute period and let the teams duke it out... :up:
Actually, I would agree to a compromise, where as long as each team was in possession of the ball at least once, then the OT is official.
Scenario 1) Receive, drive and score, then the opposing kickoff and offense can have a go, if they fumble or turn it over...game over.
Scenario 2) Receive, drive, fail to score, punt, the opposing team gets the ball....score and...game over.
Scenario 3) Receive, fumble, and the opposing team gets possession and scores...game over.
As long as both sides had a possession - offensive unless D scores, then so be it.
that would a nice compromise and not force a full 15 minutes, but it wouldnt also guarantee that its game over to drive for a simply FG either.
BDH -
"To me, there are three things we all should do every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy.
"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."
Jimmy V. (Mar '93)
"Jt0323 wrote:
id like to see First team who scores in OT wins rule changed...
Thats one of my biggest gripes. Bring on the College OT format if you ask me!

1972 Miami Dolphins-The ONLY undefeated team in NFL history!!!
"azfinfanmang wrote:
I completely agree with #2 and #3, but I have to take a hardcore stance on #1.
That is an extremely slippery slope and I am glad the NFL has finally stopped the non-sense.
I sure don't tune in to a football game just to see who is going to make the biggest ass of themselves...I would watch Wrestling if I wanted that Barnum and Baily attitude and experience...I REALLY enjoyed watching the likes of Barry Sanders and Walter Payton who would just turn and hand the ball to the Ref as in " I have been here before, and I will be here again...but with class and dignity"... :up:
It takes away from the enjoyment of Barry Sanders and Walter Payton because now they are no longer special. They are just like every other player in the league.
I say let the douchebags be douchebags.
Holland is a huge upgrade over McCain
I want to be alive, I am alive! Alive, I tell you! Mother, I love you, those are no longer just words. I want to hold you, I want to run in a stream, I want to taste ice cream but not just put it in my mouth and let it slide down my throat but really eat it. - Robot Morty
I am very much against changing overtime. Defense is part of the game. DEFENSE is part of the game. DEFENSE IS PART OF THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with the tuck rule. That was the worst interpetation of any rule I have EVER seen. Then the worst justifications for the rule I have EVER seen over and over again.
Holland is a huge upgrade over McCain
I want to be alive, I am alive! Alive, I tell you! Mother, I love you, those are no longer just words. I want to hold you, I want to run in a stream, I want to taste ice cream but not just put it in my mouth and let it slide down my throat but really eat it. - Robot Morty
"Dol-Fan Dupree wrote:
I am very much against changing overtime. Defense is part of the game. DEFENSE is part of the game. DEFENSE IS PART OF THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with the tuck rule. That was the worst interpetation of any rule I have EVER seen. Then the worst justifications for the rule I have EVER seen over and over again.
Well, I would alter that statement when it comes to overtime, Defense is only 1/2 the game...therefore in a sudden victory type scenario I would prefer to see both offenses and therefore both defenses potentially all be given equal billing.
I dont like the college model for NFL however, obviously I like my proposal....:lol::tongue2:
BDH -
"To me, there are three things we all should do every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy.
"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."
Jimmy V. (Mar '93)
"brandon27 wrote:
Thats one of my biggest gripes. Bring on the College OT format if you ask me!
Nah, let the NCAA have their screwy system...I just want to see the NFL step up and realize that for 60 minutes you've asked all facets of the Pro game to be represented, but in overtime, they feel a flip of the coin more often than not is a fair advantage when in reality, statistic show its slanted.
Letting both sides take possession of the ball would balance that out. But not the college method.
BDH -
"To me, there are three things we all should do every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy.
"If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."
Jimmy V. (Mar '93)
How about giving DBs back their relevancy. Way too often Pass Interference is called. Wr's push off all the time and get away with murder.. Heck moss makes a living off the Jump and push move. Worst is when an uncatchable ball is thrown and Pass Interference is called and the offense is rewarded 50 yards or first and goal on the one

"Dol-Fan Dupree wrote:
I am very much against changing overtime. Defense is part of the game. DEFENSE is part of the game. DEFENSE IS PART OF THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with the tuck rule. That was the worst interpetation of any rule I have EVER seen. Then the worst justifications for the rule I have EVER seen over and over again.
Yes Defense is part of the game. So is Offense. But why should a coin toss put one team at a disadvantage. A football game tests both teams on both sides of the ball. Each team then in overtime after a hard fought 60 minute game, should have an opportunity to have a chance to score, and defend.
Maybe not exactly the college system in a "shootout" style, but at least give each team a posession, then its all bets off from there.

1972 Miami Dolphins-The ONLY undefeated team in NFL history!!!
-Change OT; to college, to BDHs suggestion, to something other than a coin toss. Both sides should have a shot. Yes, defense is part of the game, but so is offense. Why shouldnt both teams have a fair shot?
-The tuck rule needs to go away.
-Defensive pass interference needs to be loosened up a little bit.
-TD celebrations should be allowed, its entertaining. Cry me a river, I laughed at the Sharpie and cellphone. Just keep it no taunting, and give it a time length. That way people wont go overboard, but can still be creative. Can be a little more restrictive of flow of game interruptions like sacks and first downs and such, thats just a little silly.
-I actually dont mind protecting the QB. I think refs need to be careful not to punish the D for doing their job, but the QB is generally the most important highly paid player on a team, and the "rockstars" and face of the NFL. A big investment needs to be protected from having a 300lb monster crushing you 5 seconds after the play is done or during a defensive ball recovery on the other side of the field.
-On the other hand, going after a block on a kick/punt is almost stupid these days as if you whiff too close and the kicker falls over from the gust, its a nasty penalty, why? Let them go play the ball. As long as they arent trying to kill the little guy, its fair game. They can get spun around or knocked over a little.
Its also getting close to time to consider moving the FG posts a little further back imo, more than a few kickers seem be regularly nailing 45+ even 50+ FGs. Id rather teams not be able to rely on kickers and have to make the choice to go for it. Maybe move the kickoff line back a little more as well?
1. Tuck Rule -- Its a bull**** rule, its either a fumble or incomplete pass, thats it. That was clearly a fumble. The ball was back down at his waist. Tell me, how the hell is he going to pass it from his waist?
2. Excessive Celebrations - Let the players celebrate. Its bad enough you can cut them at any moment and not owe them anything and that their bodies are more banged up at the end of their careers than in any other sport.
and
3. The 5 yard rule for Cornerbacks - Screw this rule. Make it 10 yards. 10 yards for the Cornerback to do whatever he wants, for the most part, so we can bring back the shutdown Cornerbacks. Some people like defense. Help them out by expanding the 5 yard rule to the 10 yard rule.
One of the great things about the NFL is the current Overtime system. Its played just like it is in Regulation time and that is what makes it great. Don't screw it up like the College game has with this garbage both teams starting at the opponents 25 horse****. Play the game like its meant to be played. The NHL and College Football have it all wrong.
"brandon27 wrote:
Thats one of my biggest gripes. Bring on the College OT format if you ask me!
yep i totally agree....its so fair and it won't last that long because after 2 overtimes you have to go for 2 and its really exciting.

I disagree with the current ot format. After the score, the opposing team gets one more possession to either win lose or tie again.
Didnt read the whole thread so sorry if this was mentioned, but the penalty I HATE to see called is "Ineligible player downfield during passing down"
I understand why the rule is in place. But I dont understand why it is called sometimes. For example, Ive seen it called many times when a guard leaves the line too early to block a man downfield on a screen.
Maybe somebody can clarify this rule for me. Ive always thought it was a Fubar penalty.
"Making people on the Internet feel better about their own lives since 2004"
Guess no one else understands it either...
"Making people on the Internet feel better about their own lives since 2004"
"Aqua4Ever04 wrote:
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- A bigger emphasis on piling on. I just watched our 2004 win over the Pats and all I saw was Rodney Harrison piling on, on every play. He's so freakin' cheap and I wish more would be done to stop his absolutely dispicable play. Rodney Harrison is scum.
hes one of those players you love to hate (my least fav player in the NFL) but I think if he was on our team I would love his intensity.


"HardKoreXXX wrote:
Guess no one else understands it either...
Whats not to understand? If an O-lineman is more than 5 yards beyond the LOS when it leaves the QB's hand, then it is Ineligable player downfield.
Now then, when it becomes interesting is when it is short-yardage and they bring in an extra lineman, but he CAN report as an elibable receiver..
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