NFL to Consider Expanding Replay Assist to Include Facemask Penalties and Other Plays
The National Football League is considering expanding its replay assist system to include facemask penalties and other plays, officials admitted to missing several obvious penalties this season. NFL executive Troy Vincent expressed frustration over the issue, stating that there are attempts to sort out the position of the officials and that the facemask can be the same color as the gloves. There is concern, he noted, because these are big misses that would lead to fouls.
Vincent listed other plays that could be addressed by the replay assist, such as hits on a defenseless player, tripping, the fair catch, an illegal batted ball, illegal double-team block, and illegal formations on kickoffs, as well as taunting. He emphasized the league’s desire to eliminate low blocks that could result in serious injuries, citing the need for consistency between high school, college, and the NFL, where every block should be above the knee but below the neck.
Regarding onside kicks, Vince stated that the league will need to consider changes to this play, as it has a low success rate and is often used as a “dead play”. The league is exploring options to either give the team an opportunity to run a play to gain a certain number of yards to keep possession or reforming the kickoff and touchback areas during the offseason.
Additionally, the league is considering scheduling, including the possibility of expanding the season to 18 games, pending approval from the players’ union. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed optimism, stating that the league’s analysis will be shared with the union and that he hopes to see a vote on the issue soon.
