The Indianapolis Colts have put forth a rule change proposal to allow challenges of penalty calls in the final two minutes of each half in NFL games. This proposal is part of a list of rule change suggestions released by various teams, including options like running a fourth-and-20 play instead of an onside kick, moving the trade deadline, and granting teams an additional challenge if successful on their first two attempts.
The competition committee will present its own rule change proposals next week, with owners set to vote on them at the upcoming league meetings. A minimum of 24 votes is required for approval of any proposed changes.
One of the most significant proposed changes is the allowance of challenges for penalty calls at the end of each half. This would provide coaches or replay officials with the opportunity to rectify glaring errors in penalty calls. However, challenges would be limited to penalties that were called on the field and could not result in a penalty being imposed if one was not initially called.
Currently, replay review is primarily used for specific aspects of a play, such as determining catches, first downs, touchdowns, fumbles, and in/out of bounds calls. The NFL previously experimented with making potential pass interference calls reviewable in 2019 but discontinued the practice after one season.
Other proposals include the Detroit Lions suggesting a third challenge for teams successful on one of their first two attempts, and the Philadelphia Eagles proposing an alternative to traditional onside kicks for end-of-game situations, allowing for a fourth-and-20 play instead.
Additional proposals from various teams include adjusting the trade deadline, displaying tenths of seconds on scoreboard clocks in the final minute of each half, and modifying rules related to injured reserve and practice squad promotions.
These proposals will be deliberated upon by team owners, with decisions expected to be made at the league meetings later this month. The NFL continues to explore ways to enhance the game while maintaining fairness and competitiveness.
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