New rules that everybody can live with

Earlier this week, the NFL’s owner meetings revealed some rule changes that will have ramifications—some large, some small. Let’s take a look at of these new creases...

Instant replay on field goals
Two defenders get microphones in their helmets
No more “force out” rule for receivers
No more 5-yard face mask
Teams are allowed to defer if they win the toss

All of changes will even the playing field a bit more, as offenses won’t be the only ones who can receive orders straight from their coaches through their helmets.

Since defenders (teams are allowed to have two designated players to carry microphones) are now allowed to be “miked up,” there will be no more sign stealing—hence, the defense will finally not have to worry about the presence of any suspiscious camera men.

The defense also got another ruling in their favor when the NFL decided to rid themselves of the force-out rule. This rule has been debatable ever since it became legal, as many games (and calls) were put under the microscope because of questionable late-minute catches that could have altered the outcome of games. Now, defensive backs will get to push the receivers out of bounds without any worry—something they should have been able to A LONG TIME AGO!

What’s it mean that the 5-yard face mask is gone? No more silly first downs that break the back of defenses every.
Having instant replay available for field goals will rid any Phil Dawson-like situations in the future, and the ability to defer will give defensive-minded coaches all over the league something extra to think about.