The 2010 NFL Rule Changes

by Brandon on Aug 10, 2010 10:56 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers News

If you see something you've never seen before during an NFL game in 2010, it could be a rule change. The SB Nation Eagles blog, Bleeding Green Nation, has four posts detailing the most significant changes.

The umpire is now in the backfield. Probably the most significant change because you're likely to notice the extra zebra standing behind the quarterback. Maybe this rule would have made a difference at the end of the Green Bay Packers playoff loss to Arizona, but the change hasn't been made in response to that game. It's intended to decrease the chance of an umpire getting killed in the middle of the field.

No more hitting defenseless players. While I can see it working to protect wide receivers, it looks like another rule designed to protect the quarterback.

Tweaking the fair catch interference rule. This in response to a bizarre play last season. The Texans punt returner muffed a fair catch, but before the ball hit the ground, the Titans gunner caught the ball on the rebound. Not only did the Texans keep the ball, the Titans got a 15 yard penalty. Try figuring that one out.

The play is over when the runner loses his helmet. This seems like a good idea, especially if the NFL is serious about avoiding concussions.

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I don't like the last one at all

…primarily because of players witht the ridiculous dredlocks. They interfere with proper fit of the helmet to the head. Of course the helmet is more likely to fall off if it’s internally padded with lots of hair! It might seem snug when they’re just standing there, but when hit, the hair compresses, moves and OFF pops the helmet.

Also, i predict this turning into massive frustration during fumble recovery piles. At what point is a player who is frantically trying to cover the ball supposed to be looking up to see who still has their helmets?

I vastly prefer a rule that PENALIZES a de-helmeted player for continuing to play. That way, there’s an incentive for each player to make sure his helmet fits and wont pop off when mildly disturbed. And they can go ahead and penalize a guy who tries to physically engage a helmetless player, but DO NOT make a rule that stops the whole play. What a terrible idea.

"What I’m trying to say is that Lovie is an idiot. Let’s not forget this." --celerysalt, WCG commenter

by juperee on Aug 11, 2010 12:26 AM CDT reply actions

I like your proposal much better. Definitely makes much more sense. A play being stopped mid play just sounds like a horrible idea.

by packallday555 on Aug 11, 2010 1:37 AM CDT up reply actions

So do we see this turning into something where players rip a helmet off just to get a play to stop?? WHO’S helmet has to come off for the play to be called dead? Anyone? Just the guy with the ball? Just someone involved in the play?

by TrevorR on Aug 11, 2010 7:06 AM CDT up reply actions

It’s only blown dead it it’s the player with the ball.

by jolly rancher on Aug 11, 2010 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions

okay…I didn’t have time to dig into it. I guess that is okay then.

by TrevorR on Aug 12, 2010 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Me too

I was picturing dudes spiking their helmets. And refs coming up with a new hand gesture meaning “intentional helmet grounding”…not pretty

"What I’m trying to say is that Lovie is an idiot. Let’s not forget this." --celerysalt, WCG commenter

by juperee on Aug 12, 2010 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Removal of one's own helmet while on the field

is already a penalty, whether the headpiece is spiked or not. :)

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The glass is more than half-full.

by NorthStarr on Aug 12, 2010 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions

The rule

Starting this year, a play will be blown dead as soon as the runner’s helmet comes off during the play. This only applies to player with the ball. As soon as the helmet comes off, the play is dead and the ball is spotted where the helmet came off. It will be treated as if the player was down by contact.

For example, this play by Jason Witten against the Eagles would have been blown dead at the 35 yard line.

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2010/8/10/1615408/2010-nfl-rule-changes-when-a

Expectations don't produce!

by 2manyears on Aug 14, 2010 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions