Monday Patriots Notebook 3/23: Colts ask for Some Strange Changes, Pats Wrinkles Getting Shut Down, More Notes
 Bill Belichick's brilliant mind appears to be causing changes to the NFL rule book this offseason. |
This should be a somewhat interesting week as the NFL owners get together for their annual owners meeting out in Arizona, and the one of the big discussions over the coming days will likely be potential rule changes coming for 2015.
It's been a topic that's been at the center of attention in the media over the past few days, and here in New England it's notable because of the three rules head coach Bill Belichick is proposing, which includes allowing coaches to challenge any play, moving the extra point back for the sake of no longer having it be an automatic play, and installing cameras down on the goal line.
Of the three, it appears that the one that might garner enough support might be the one to move the extra point back as other teams around the league seem intrigued at the notion of making that more of an important play than it's been. Giants owner John Mara seems like he's behind it, although his concern is whether or not it will get the necessary number of votes to pass.
“We’ve had a lot of discussions about that and I think that one has a chance," Mara said via ESPN Boston. "I don’t know, again, if it’s going to get 24 votes. I happen to be in favor of that one and think it’s a good proposal because we have a play right now that is a ceremonial play. Why not make it a competitive play?”
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe went through some of the proposed changes by other teams around the league in his Sunday Notes, with a few interesting ones he highlighted by the Colts. They propose teams not be docked a timeout for an unsuccessful challenge (which is head-scratching since as he points out, head coach Chuck Pagano is 11-of-14 on challenges the last two years), as well as teams being allowed to open their retractable roofs at halftime if they meet certain weather and procedural requirements. Sure, why not add a little wind and change the elements for the second half if the Colts are ahead at halftime. That seems completely fair.
The final one they're apparently looking for is even more interesting. They propose adding a 50-yard extra point attempt if a team is successful on a 2-point conversion as a way to encourage teams to go for two more often, essentially opening up the ability for a 9-point touchdown. Between the extra point kick being potentially moved back and something like this, it would definitely keep fans glued to the television following a touchdown instead of heading off for a bathroom break. The Colts' suggestion seems a little radical, but it probably won't be long before we do see changes made there as the NFL continues trying to make the game more exciting for the fans.
If nothing else, it will be a story to follow over the next few days as there will likely be changes coming. Fortunately the Patriots have Stephen Gostkowski under contract for the upcoming season after placing the franchise designation on him, so should Belichick's extra point suggestion pass, New England has a reliable guy to hopefully make sure it's not quite as shaky as it might end up being for other teams throughout the league.
PATRIOTS TACTIC SEEMS TO BE ABOUT TO BE SHUT DOWN:
Bill Belichick's ingenious idea to create confusion against the Ravens apparently caused enough of a headache among those who it seems don't wish to have to think about formations, and it sounds like what we saw in January may not carry over into 2015.
Belichick exploited the eligible/ineligible player rule in their win over Baltimore, which was actually handled just fine by the officials considering they told head coach John Harbaugh not to cover Shane Vereen, who was ineligible despite being split out wide. There is a rule proposal at this week's owners meeting on the topic to limit it to within the tackle box, and it sounds like the owners are in favor of this change.
“I didn’t have a problem with what they did,” Giants owner John Mara said Sunday via the Boston Globe. “What they did was within the rules, so they had every right to do it. The question is, is that what we want in the game going forward?”
“Should the official just slow things down and make sure the eligible and ineligible players are clearly identified? Or should we make the ineligible player line up within the tackle box? And I think as a committee, we came down in favor of making him line up within the tackle box.”
So much for coaches having to think a little more during the game. The easiest way to keep from being out-smarted by another coach is to eliminate the ability for him to do so, and it seems that may end up being the case this week.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Another topic that could be discussed this week is the tampering charge against the Jets in regards Darrelle Revis, and Rich Cimini of ESPN New York points out that the last loss of a pick in this situation occurred in 2011, when the Lions tampered with Chiefs players and it cost them a 7th rounder. Cimini actually suggests the teams swapping 4th round picks, which would mean taking the Jets 5th pick in the 4th round in lieu of New England's, who aren't scheduled to pick until the 32nd spot in that round.
- We'll find out this week who the Patriots, who are obviously defending Super Bowl Champions, will open up against on what will be a Thursday night game, presumably a September 10th opener. Last season's opener took place down in Miami in a disappointing start after New England fell 33-20 in the Florida heat. Hopefully starting the season in Foxboro this year will help them get off to a better start.
- Devin McCourty was in Maine on Sunday, with the veteran safety on hand as the city opened up a new Bob's Store. McCourty signed autographs and footballs and spoke to fans, who all seemed pretty excited at the opportunity to meet the recent Super Bowl champion safety. WMTW has video from the event here.
- Texans head coach Bill O'Brien seems excited by being reunited with recently signed Vince Wilfork, telling the Boston Herald that he likes what the veteran brings in terms of his presence and experience. “I’m very aware of what he meant to the Patriots and what he meant to the community in Massachusetts and Boston,” O’Brien said via the Boston Herald. “We’re thrilled to have him. With his experience, his playing ability, his leadership and his knowledge of the defense, he just brings a lot to the table for us that’s going to help our team and help our younger players.”
- UTSanDiego.com has an interesting read as the discussion of the Chargers future continues regarding a new stadium. According to the article, which debates how much new stadiums help revenue, and how much that affects a team's ability to win, it seems that teams in the top 10 in terms of revenue don't always end up winners. They cite the list from 2013 (the Patriots were number two) and mention the records of teams who lead the league in revenue and that their combined records were 77-83 the next year, with four teams making the playoffs, and one (Patriots) winning the Super Bowl. They also point out the fact the top 10 teams revenue-wise from the previous two years went on to go 167-153, with seven teams making the playoffs and two (Broncos and Ravens) playing in the Super Bowl.
Finally, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady continues to enjoy his time off, posting a picture on his Facebook page and asking for help after his kids buried him in the sand while on the beach in Costa Rica.
