Tunescribe

When a quarterback finishes the season with a 70.62 completion percentage (Drew Brees), something definitely is askew. Only four of 32 teams have held opposing passers to under 200 yards/game average this season. I don't have any answers as most RECENT rule changes have favored the offensive passing game, but things definitely are out of balance. Anyone else feel this way? Problem is, I doubt the league will do anything about it.

JSn

I totally agree, however... as comp. percentages rise, so too do television ratings.

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convertedpatsfan

I'd at least like to see pass interference calls become reviewable. That is more costly than a personal foul, but relies on a split-second judgment from an official, and can often change the outcome of a game (like that ridiculous call in the 4th quarter of the Colts game).

Some argue that then all penalties will be challenged, but I disagree. Most of those calls are made only when the ref sees something. Players hold on every single play, yet it is only called when the ref specifically sees an atrocious example of it.

But on pass interference, they often seem to miss the flight of the ball and whether it was catchable, while also seeing if the QB was in the pocket or if the ball was tipped before. There's a lot going into that call and mistakes make a huge impression on the game.

Frezo

Do you mean reviewable by coach's challenge?

JackBauer

I definitely, definitely do not like PI as a "spot of the foul" penalty.

Makes entirely subjective pass interference calls much too influential on the outcome of the game, especially considering a lot of the ticky tack nonsense that counts as "contact" in today's NFL.

fgssand

I agree with OP - Defense has indeed been dealt a raw deal with all the rule changes over the past few years - it is killing the game and that is clearly evident when you go back in time and watch football from last century.

As for PI - the call is fine, the problem is it is so darn inconsistently officiated that I am not sure anybody really knows what is and what is not PI anymore, or at least how it should be called. It really is pathetic to watch several games on a sunday and see the same basic infraction called, not called, called PI , called holding, called uncatchable and on and on.

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TheGodInAGreyHoodie

I don't recall that many people on this board being so strongly wanting more defensive rules, b/c the offense is out of control back in 2007 when Brady and Moss were breaking all the rule.

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Deus Irae

Stop calling the "illegal contact" penalty as ridiculously as it's called and numbers will drop. Also, start enforcing "pick" penalties, and that will help, too.

The post-2004 changes have allowed for 'timing' offenses to run wild in the league, because it's almost impossible to defend against a ball thrown to a spot if you can't shake the timing of the route runner.

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convertedpatsfan

There are several different thoughts on how it should be challenged, but I'm in favour of pretty much all of them over the current system.

You're right, the subjective nature of the call makes a spot of the foul too influential. But if it wasn't a spot foul, and I was a DB that was about to be burned for a 50-yard TD, I'd drag the guy down if I knew I'd only be giving up 15 yards. I think it could lead to more PI calls without the spot call.

What about a third type of call? Illegal contact is 5 yards and automatic first, and we've got the spot of foul PI call, so what about a 10 or 15-yarder for certain types of PI like face-guarding (which is not supposed to be a penalty, but the NFL calls it anyways like on Hobbs in 2007)? Obvious instances would be on the spot.

Alternatively, some of those things could just be put under the illegal contact side, which generates an automatic first down. Or at the very least, quit calling penalties when it's obvious a DB is trying to make a play on the ball. The DB has rights to that ball as well as the receiver, but this should be reinforced/reminded/taught to the refs.

And I'm sure there's an even better solution I haven't even thought of. But I really think that PI call unfairly balances the game. I think defenses have adjusted to the new rules for the most part. But there's no defense against a ridiculous 40-yard penalty.

upstater1

Maybe allow hitting within the first 10 yards?