Number of changes to rules being considered
DAVIE — The NFL plans to look at several possible rule changes during its annual league meetings next week in Phoenix — including two rules, if in place last season, that could have altered the AFC and NFC championship games.
The NFL will explore whether to expand the reviewable plays in instant replay for certain fouls such as pass interference, similar to the controversial non-call during the NFC title game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints.
The Kansas City Chiefs have proposed a rule change that would allow both teams to have at least one offensive possession in overtime, even if the first team to possess the ball scores a touchdown. The Chiefs were not afforded the opportunity to answer New England’s game-winning touchdown in the AFC title game last January.
Both topics will be among those that are addressed during the league meetings for owners of all 32 teams, which run Sunday through Wednesday at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said during a Friday conference call that teams around the league had discussions about the overtime-possession rules before last season’s AFC title game. He said, according to NFL data since 2001, both teams touch the football in about 80 percent of overtime games.
“But you got to play ball,” Vincent said. “Typically when teams raises the issue, it’s ’cause they fell short on the other end.”
The Patriots, under longtime coach Bill Belichick and new Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores, went on to win Super Bowl LIII against the Rams to end last season. Los Angeles was able to get past New Orleans in the NFC title game after Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman got away with a hit on Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis while the Saints were driving down the field during a tied game in the fourth quarter.
While it admitted fault in missing the penalty call, the NFL will address whether to allow the expansion for a year of reviewable plays in instant replay to include all fouls for pass interference, roughing the passer and unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture.
The NFL also hopes to expand automatic replay reviews to include scoring plays, turnovers negated by a foul and any extra point or two-point attempts. There is also an added focus on how these replay rules will affect game play, the length of games and the NFL fan experience.
“People have passionate views on replay and how replays affect the game,” said Rich McKay, the Atlanta Falcons president and CEO, serving as the NFL’s competition committee chairman.
The competition committee’s offseason priorities also include the aligning of safety rules in the NFL with NCAA and other professional football leagues; paceof-game changes to eliminate “dead time” during games; and the addition of an eighth official to the playing field.
In all, the NFL will vote on 16 proposed rule changes, six proposed bylaw changes and two proposed resolution changes. Any new rules proposal will require 24 of 32 team owners voting in its favor.
Flores, Dolphins owner Steve Ross, CEO Tom Garfinkel, general manager Chris Grier and senior front office executive Reggie McKenzie will be among the Dolphins contingent at the league meetings. This play in the NFC Championship Game, a non-call involving the Rams’ Nickell Robey-Coleman, could spark a rule change.