Defense needs to be legislated back into the NFL

[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.

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.

 

[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]

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.

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 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.

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.

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

Do you mean reviewable by coach's challenge?

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.

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.

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?

 

[Sicilian]

Besides rule changes, I think there's a cultural phenomenon at play here as well. In sports in general, the "glory" positions are on offense. So more kids growing up wanting to play wide receiver rather than corner, or running back rather than safety. So the best athletes (who basically get to write their own ticket growing up) lean towards the offensive positions.

Think about it. Every MVP tends to be an offensive skill player. Every Heisman trophy too.

Now, this has likely always been the case, but it's accentuated in the last couple decades as the game has become the media juggernaut that it is now.

It's not he only reason, but I think it's a factor.

 

[Frezo]

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.

How about allowing contact within 10 yds of the LOS instead the current 5? That should even things out a bit.

 

[Willie55]

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.

You can thank the Colts, and Bill Polian more specifically, for that.

I think the pass interference ruling should be is if it is incidental minor contact make it a 15 yard penalty. But if the defensive player is smoked so bad that they have to commit flagrant contact to defend the play it should be a spot foul.

Too many games have been ruined by long pass interference calls.

 

[Tunescribe]

Besides rule changes, I think there's a cultural phenomenon at play here as well. In sports in general, the "glory" positions are on offense. So more kids growing up wanting to play wide receiver rather than corner, or running back rather than safety. So the best athletes (who basically get to write their own ticket growing up) lean towards the offensive positions.

Think about it. Every MVP tends to be an offensive skill player. Every Heisman trophy too.

Now, this has likely always been the case, but it's accentuated in the last couple decades as the game has become the media juggernaut that it is now.

It's not he only reason, but I think it's a factor.

Very much agreed -- video-game mentality. It's the same mentality that ruined the NBA.

If you ask me, a 71-percent season completion percentage for a quarterback is an indication of how far the pendulum has swung in favor of the offense. I remember the days when a 55-percent completion percentage was considered phenomenal. Now, most defenses play a passive bend-but-don't break "contain" style; it's becoming like basketball. The Jets are a rare exception, and they lead the league on defense. I tell you, if the Jets had a quarterback they'd be dangerous.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

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.

As long as Polian and the Geldings hold a place of honor on the competition committee, I doubt if any defensive rule changes will even be discussed.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

=
Too many games have been ruined by long pass interference calls.

Seems to be the common means to get back into a game, hail mary pass and pray for a flag.....

 

[patsinthesnow]

Besides rule changes, I think there's a cultural phenomenon at play here as well. In sports in general, the "glory" positions are on offense. So more kids growing up wanting to play wide receiver rather than corner, or running back rather than safety. So the best athletes (who basically get to write their own ticket growing up) lean towards the offensive positions.

Think about it. Every MVP tends to be an offensive skill player. Every Heisman trophy too.

Now, this has likely always been the case, but it's accentuated in the last couple decades as the game has become the media juggernaut that it is now.

It's not he only reason, but I think it's a factor.

Great point. The only position on defense where I see young kids wanting to play is linebacker.

 

[patriotscpfc]

Maybe allow hitting within the first 10 yards?

Wes is going to get hurt if he gets hit any more than he already does.

 

[Brady2Welker]

It's partially our fault for the way the NFL has evolved. Look back at the 90s and before and you see that with few exceptions of Rice and Marino and the sort that the NFL was primarily a rushing league. When we implemented an extremely effective strategy of 'bend dont break' defense forcing turnovers and control, as well as pioneering the strategy of offense to disect other defenses passing with short controlled timing passes by Brady we began to change the league.

That's part of the reason Brady didnt have the huge numbers despite the rings in those years, because it was a controlled methodical system on both sides of the ball based on limiting mistakes and forcing the opponent into making one.

Although few teams have been able to replicate our defense exactly, we have created the template for how to beat most defenses with a strong passing game in the last decade. Yeah some of it has to do with rules, but a lot of it has to do with the system too.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

How about allowing contact within 10 yds of the LOS instead the current 5? That should even things out a bit.

I think that'd eliminate a lot of the illegal contact penalties, but not necessarily the 35-yard pass interference calls down the field. 5 yards should be sufficient for a DB to get a jam on the receiver if they want to.