NFL wants to limit crowd noise

[Chris]

They want to install headsets in every offensive players helmet per CBS pregame to take away the effect crowd noise has on the team...

This would be a dumb idea if this ever passes and I can imagine a lot of fans would be pissed...

 

[BelichickFan]

The crowd will always be a factor but I think it makes for a better game if the offense can execute efficiently on the road. I find it interesting, though, that with all the talk of technology and potential ways of "cheating" that they are looking into ways of using technology more.

 

[spacecrime]

They want to install headsets in every offensive players helmet per CBS pregame to take away the effect crowd noise has on the team..

this would be a dumb idea if this ever passes and i can imagine alot of fans would be pissed..

Why dumb? I think the QB headset is a good idea. I think having a defensive player with a headset is a good idea, also. So if headsets are good for them, why not the Oline?

Supposedly the NFL wants a "level playing field," right? How level can the playing field be when domes are louder thatn non-domes, and some teams (cough*colts*cough) pipe in crowd noise through loud speakers?

I would think that if what they want is a level playing field, then both teams need an equal opportunity to run a play effectively.

If they don't do this, then they are hypocrits for penalizing the Pats.

 

[He Ban Me]

Probably that Polian guy again

 

[Tunescribe]

The crowd will always be a factor but I think it makes for a better game if the offense can execute efficiently on the road. I find it interesting, though, that with all the talk of technology and potential ways of "cheating" that they are looking into ways of using technology more.

How will the crowd "always be a factor" if they put microphones in all the offensive players' helmets? This is a terrible idea. It would take the crowd completely out of the game.

 

[PatsFan37]

The crowd will always be a factor but I think it makes for a better game if the offense can execute efficiently on the road.

I agree. But one strong effect is to mitigate the advantage of having a good season, going into the playoffs. The only thing that will matter is the first round bye.

As a plus, the games will move faster without the false start and delay of game penalties, which is probably what they're after (sorry, not watching the pre-game, if they've already said that.)

As a minus, it removes the road advantage of disciplined teams. The Patriots are less affected because they're so good with the silent snap. The Colts are so dependent on their audibles and timing-based offense that they tend to be significantly weaker on the road (though that could also be their piped-in noise). I thought last year (IIRC) they had one of the biggest disparities between road/home performance.

So did NaPolian ask for it?

 

[PonyExpress]

My first change of the rules would be to change the competition committee itself. These wacky nutjobs are tinkering with our national pasttime. It's like we have a couple of boozey Generals tossing around the nuclear football. The membership should rotate around the league, or be restricted to HOF members, or people not currently employed by teams, or the members should be elected. To have that old drunk Polian and his brood squatting over our game and sticking pins in it as though it were a voodoo doll makes me queezy.

 

[BelichickFan]

How will the crowd "always be a factor" if they put microphones in all the offensive players' helmets? This is a terrible idea. It would take the crowd completely out of the game.

Right now the communication between coach and QB is more difficult on the road. The microphones help but with a really noisy stadium it is still difficult.

 

[Tunescribe]

Right now the communication between coach and QB is more difficult on the road. The microphones help but with a really noisy stadium it is still difficult.

You didn't answer my question, BF. If they have the whole offense miked for the snap and audibles, it neutralizes one of the biggest aspects of homefield advantage, which is crowd noise. The crowd doesn't get noisy until after the coach sends in the play and the team breaks huddle anyway, so initial radio communication isn't affected. As a fan, I'd hate being taken out of the game by technology.

 

[BelichickFan]

You didn't answer my question, BF. If they have the whole offense miked for the snap and audibles, it neutralizes one of the biggest aspects of homefield advantage, which is crowd noise. The crowd doesn't get noisy until after the coach sends in the play and the team breaks huddle anyway, so initial radio communication isn't affected. As a fan, I'd hate being taken out of the game by technology.

It would limit it, but a loud crowd would still make it tougher for visiting offenses.

There would still be plenty of HF between no travel, the field and the comfort level.

 

[BradyManny]

How will the crowd "always be a factor" if they put microphones in all the offensive players' helmets? This is a terrible idea. It would take the crowd completely out of the game.

I agree, this is a terrible idea that goes against the entire point of sports. They don't play these games in a vacuum, they are out there to entertain us, the fans. Why don't they just play all the games in a neutral location? Or heck, better yet, play in front of no one. That would really level the playing field.

 

[Seymour93]

A nice first step would be to punish (take away draft picks) those certain dome teams who illegally pipe in fake crowd noise. But to try to eliminate the homefield advantage altogether? Stupid. I think those who work in the NFL FO or the Competition Committee needs to take mandatory long term vacations kind of like how Congress does. The more they work, the dumber the ideas seem to become.

 

[nhpatsfan]

I hate this idea.

Let the guys play football. Let the crowd feel like they're a part of it.

 

[Deus Irae]

Home field is supposed to be an advantage. That's the point of having home field. What's next, all games at a neutral site, or all games in empty stadiums? Really, if they don't want crowd input, maybe they could just create an NFL complex with no stadiums or fans and just film every game from there.

 

[italian pat patriot]

i agree. the home field should be an advantage

not a good idea imho too

 

[The Gr8est]

Great idea, it's about time the NFL did something to help the offense. Too much defensive emphasis. (Heavy sarcasm)

 

[braveht]

How will the crowd "always be a factor" if they put microphones in all the offensive players' helmets? This is a terrible idea. It would take the crowd completely out of the game.

I disagree. The home crowd's cheering would still have the beneficial effect on the home team, but I don't think it is fair to impede the visiting team's ability to call their plays , etc. I'd much rather let the better team on the field win rather than have the outcome affected by the "12th man".

If the home field advantage becomes more than the three points it's now worth then you closer approach the point where the dome team wins, everybody ends up 8-8.

As a Pat fan I want our team of 53 players to be able to play and win, home and away. At least thats how I see it.

 

[homergreg]

It certainly would be a good thing for teams who have a bunch of "wine and cheese" fans. They wouldn't feel so guilty for not being able to make noise.


Of course for all the conspiracy theorists, it would give the Colts a chance to pipe in noise through the headsets and the Patriots an opportunity to jam the transmissions!

 

[mtbykr]

I think if the NFL is serious about limiting the effect of crowd noise then they would investigate napolian and the noise pumping dolts...until they do that they are not too serious.

 

[Truck]

If you're going this far, why not just put speakers & mikes in every players helmet. Then you can reduce the play clock since there'd be no need to huddle up as you could take to everyone straight from their positions.

Also, just like excessive celebration, excessive crowd noise should be penalized, maybe 10 yards. Since it disrupts the flow of the game. In fact, I dont think crowds should be allowed to cheer or clap. Just nod their heads when the approve/disapprove of the plays.

And while we're at it, each team should be allowed one coach on the field (he's not allowed to touch the ball or to block an opponent). [/end sarcasm]