NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

[supafly]

The NFL went ahead with it's proposed rule change for their umpire location. Instead of lining up on the defensive side, the umpires will now line up in the offensive backfield.

Obviously this will affect our pick plays with Welker, to what degree I wonder?

Maybe someone with better knowledge can shed some light, many times it's hard for me to see how often this so called 'pick play' is used due to TV angles, etc.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/21/nfl-moves-umpires-to-offensive-backfield/

 

[patsinthesnow]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

The Colts do this bull alot. It should piss of Polian. I remember the 08 colts game on a TD Al Michaels showed the pick on instant replay.

 

[Big-T]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

The Colts do this bull alot. It should piss of Polian. I remember the 08 colts game on a TD Al Michaels showed the pick on instant replay.

Mike Carlson on Channel 5 over here in the UK also pointed out that when the Colts receivers "pick" off each other it is technically offensive pass interference and he says it should be called in such way more often.

 

[supafly]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

The Colts do this bull alot. It should piss of Polian. I remember the 08 colts game on a TD Al Michaels showed the pick on instant replay.

Well, every team does it to some degree. It's quite possible that the play you saw was just coincedental. I do know that it's going to affect us a lot more than any other team, but I don't know to what degree.

If you read the article, there was an umpire that specifically called out Welker for his use of this. I even heard someone mention it on one of those ESPN talk shows as the "Wes Welker" rule--although hopefully that won't stick.

It's hard to tell while watching TV compared to live game action, as to whether or not Welker actually used this as much as some are saying. I can understand taking advantage from time to time, but I am simply wondering how often he used the umpire while route running or catching balls? Hopefully someone else with better knowledge can elaborate a bit.

 

[supafly]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

Mike Carlson on Channel 5 over here in the UK also pointed out that when the Colts receivers "pick" off each other it is technically offensive pass interference and he says it should be called in such way more often.

Yes, that's a good point, but entirely different altogether. What the Colts have done is actually use their WR's to block off defenders, change and go, the same way a 'pick and roll' is done in basketball. This does not really have much to do with what Welker does, which is use the umpire to shadow or block the defender--so that they'd actually run into the ump at times.

What the Colts do a lot is use each other to pick--while Welker is specifically using the umpire to pick. The Colts are pushing a rule also, but it's not really the same thing. It doesn't put the umpire in any risk of harm's way.

 

[jays52]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

The trick's been around for a while, but Welker is really exceptional at it. It's really the most effective way of getting open (and open for big yards) when running short inside stuff from the slot against man. The defender is going to press the slot, and attempt to deny a release. When the Y gets a release, the defnder is going to be in his upfield hip. He'll be also likely be messing with the running cadence of the receiver in a subtle "don't get caught" way. The defender is going to be focused on looking over the shoulders of the defender, while feeling the qb with his peripheral. Inside arm makes a play on the ball, outside arm secures the tackle. One can see that given this body positioning, it's pretty easy for the Y to run the defender into the ref as another way of creating seperation.

 

[supafly]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

The trick's been around for a while, but Welker is really exceptional at it. It's really the most effective way of getting open (and open for big yards) when running short inside stuff from the slot against man. The defender is going to press the slot, and attempt to deny a release. When the Y gets a release, the defnder is going to be in his upfield hip. He'll be also likely be messing with the running cadence of the receiver in a subtle "don't get caught" way. The defender is going to be focused on looking over the shoulders of the defender, while feeling the qb with his peripheral. Inside arm makes a play on the ball, outside arm secures the tackle. One can see that given this body positioning, it's pretty easy for the Y to run the defender into the ref as another way of creating seperation.

Nice description Jay, thnx. Once again it seems as though the Competition Committee focuses in on something this team does well, and tries to make it harder for us in some way. To me, it's no coincidence that it hasen't ever been a 'problem' before, yet it somehow is now.

 

[BradyBranch39]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

Nice description Jay, thnx. Once again it seems as though the Competition Committee focuses in on something this team does well, and tries to make it harder for us in some way. To me, it's no coincidence that it hasen't ever been a 'problem' before, yet it somehow is now.

Of course. They need new excuses for the us to be winning without unauthorized cameramen.

 

[Koma]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

Well, every team does it to some degree. It's quite possible that the play you saw was just coincedental. I do know that it's going to affect us a lot more than any other team, but I don't know to what degree.

If you read the article, there was an umpire that specifically called out Welker for his use of this. I even heard someone mention it on one of those ESPN talk shows as the "Wes Welker" rule--although hopefully that won't stick.

It's hard to tell while watching TV compared to live game action, as to whether or not Welker actually used this as much as some are saying. I can understand taking advantage from time to time, but I am simply wondering how often he used the umpire while route running or catching balls? Hopefully someone else with better knowledge can elaborate a bit.

If someone from ESPN already thought of that, they'll find a way to make that stick.

Regarding the rule change, are there any calls we may see less of now that the umpire is in a different location?

 

[Big-T]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

If someone from ESPN already thought of that, they'll find a way to make that stick.

Regarding the rule change, are there any calls we may see less of now that the umpire is in a different location?

Holding in the Offensive line? views could be obstructed by QB's/RB's/FB's and any defensive players in the backfield. There might be more fumble calls having to be challenged too with no official near tackles in the middle of the field.

 

[jmt57]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

Regarding the rule change, are there any calls we may see less of now that the umpire is in a different location?

I'm guessing there might be some pass interference calls, both offensive and defensive, that are missed in that area of the field. Receivers might be able to push off a little bit more while defenders might get away with some holds. There might also be some more incorrect calls made because calls in that area of the field may need to be made by either the back judge or umpire, both of whom are further away than the umpire previously was.

 

[Patspsycho]

Re: Semi-OT: NFL changes umpire location to offensive backfield

I'm guessing there might be some pass interference calls, both offensive and defensive, that are missed in that area of the field. Receivers might be able to push off a little bit more while defenders might get away with some holds. There might also be some more incorrect calls made because calls in that area of the field may need to be made by either the back judge or umpire, both of whom are further away than the umpire previously was.

I think you mean referee. Anyway I think they might tuck in the line judges a little more inside to compensate for the referee and umpire being on only one side of the LOS. Squaring it up, so to speak.

 

[captain stone]

I don't like this change. It not only adversely effects WW, but it also allows for the possibility of missing more Offensive Holding calls & more Defensive Holding calls, esp. those just outside of the 5-yard limit. And what happens when the pass-rush comes, and the QB is scrambling to get away? Either the QB will run into the Ump, or one of the rushers will. If the Ump is also trying to avoid contact, then he will likely miss a holding violation. One of the HCs is going to be really pissed-off, that's for sure.