FanPost

Proposed Rule Change

Since the NFL’s inception, the league has struggled with establishing a balance between protecting the players and making sure that referees are not a prominent factor in deciding the outcome of games. We all have witnessed unfortunate calls that have unfairly influenced a game. Therefore, I propose the elimination of two of the most common violations for the sake of diminishing ambiguity and referee influence in the league. I know that many of you will have an initial knee jerk reaction against this proposal; however, give it some thought and consider whether it might lead to a more fair and even league.

The two penalties that I would eliminate are offensive holding and pass interference. I will discuss each in turn.

How many times have we all heard the assertion that offensive holding could be called on any given play. While this may not be entirely true, the point is both valid and disconcerting. Why not get rid of it? What would really be the major drawback of allowing holding? Less sacks? More injuries? Not necessarily. It would, however, eliminate referee discretion. Furthermore, if holding occurs on every play anyway…why not just allow it. The same can be said for pass interference. Why not just let the receivers and corners battle it out without the refs arbitrarily deciding who broke a rule. Let the strongest or most agile man win. Let them battle it out on the field.

Obviously this proposal, if implemented, would have a dramatic impact on some facets of the game. In reality, I don’t think it would be as dramatic of a change as most tend to think. The most obvious rebuttal would be that this change would compromise the safety of the players. However, I am not convinced that this is inevitably true. It would have to be tested to see if player injuries increase. I do think the players should be protected from the most obvious and eminent dangers in the game, but I do not believe these particular changes would substantially increase the inherent danger of the game. It would eliminate two of the penalties most frequently responsible for referees unjustly influencing a game. What are your thoughts?

Go Broncos!!!

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.