Refs need to modify their spot "cheating" inside the 20s

[QuantumMechanic]

Was this Goodell's idea? If so, it sucks, fire him.

He wouldn't be smart enough to think of it. I'm sure it's something the refs worked out on their own to make their lives easier.

 

[pdangle]

There's no "rule" here. This is something the refs do for their convenience to make it easier to determine first downs.

Once there's a first down at or inside the 10 there's no need to do anything other than the true spot since the line to gain is the goalline no matter what.

Well then I agree with previous poster, if its just a convenience, it shouldn't be applied under the 5yd lines on the D side, as that would affect chances of a safety. Or the past the opponents 20, as it would affect chances of a touchdown. Those are big chunks of free yards relative to ball location.

If a team typically takes 6-8 first downs to score a touchdown, those free yards should add up. Teams are now gifted 3-4 yards for the drive (0.5 yds on average after every first down). So coupled with Goodsuckells new kickoff start rule, these two decrees have given the O and extra ~7-8yds per drive after kickoffs and ~4-5yds after punts. But on the other hand, this spot rule will favor teams that churn out first downs, so NE fans should actually be happy.