IRVING, Texas — The National Football League (NFL) is exploring the possibility of broadening the scope of its replay assist system to incorporate facemask penalties along with other key plays that may have been missed during games this season. This review comes after officials overlooked several noticeable facemask penalties, particularly during Thursday night games.
NFL executive Troy Vincent discussed the issue at the league’s winter meetings, emphasizing that the fast-paced nature of the game often leads to missed calls. He noted, “When we recognize these incidents, I get to see them from a different perspective, often resorting to slow-motion replays.” Vincent pointed out that officials’ positions on the field can make it challenging to catch infractions, especially when the facemask and gloves are similar in color. “It’s concerning because missing such a significant foul can impact the game’s outcome, which is why we consider proposing this matter for further evaluation among league members,” he remarked. Further frustration arose when Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was tackled by his facemask without a penalty being called during a crucial moment against the Rams on October 24.
In another instance, on October 3, Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving experienced a missed call for a facemask while running late in the game against the Falcons, resulting in a holding penalty instead. According to Vincent, these incidents reflect a broader issue, stating, “The facemask violation has been a recurring theme this season. It requires our attention.” In addition to facemask violations, Vincent identified other plays, such as hits on defenseless players and illegal batted balls, as potential candidates for replay assistance. Currently, rules govern that replay assists can only aid in correcting incorrect penalty calls or enforcing penalties that have already been identified on the field.
The league’s Competition Committee is set to review recommendations regarding the expansion of replay assist before presenting them to team owners for voting.
In terms of player safety, Vincent specifically advocated for the elimination of low blocks, which can lead to severe injuries. He stated, “We need to remove low blocks below the knee from the game entirely.” Citing high school and college rules, he suggested that blocking standards should be consistent across all levels of play. “Every block should occur above the knee and below the neck. Given the strides we’ve made in enhancing head and neck safety, now is the opportune moment to enact this change.”
The NFL is also contemplating revisions to the onside kick rule due to the current low success rate of the play. Vincent expressed that onside kicks have become a “dead play,” and indicated the need for a fresh approach to revitalize its effectiveness. Proposals include possibly allowing teams to attempt a single play to gain a specific yardage to retain possession.
On another front, the Washington Commanders are actively exploring new stadium sites, with possibilities spanning Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Recent discussions have ramped up regarding the RFK Stadium site in Washington. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and team owner Josh Harris engaged with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, emphasizing that a bill needs to pass to transfer the land to local government for any development to proceed. Goodell expressed optimism about gaining bipartisan support for the initiative, highlighting that a new venue would excite many fans, particularly those familiar with the historic stadium.
Finally, the potential for extending the NFL season to 18 games continues to be a topic of discussion. Goodell noted that while analysis is ongoing, any implementation would require approval from the players’ union. “We’re analyzing the feasibility but are not finalizing plans just yet. This data will be shared with the players’ representatives, as their agreement is essential for any changes,” he concluded.
