The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

Posted: **Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:55 pm**

Thought this was of interest.

NFL to consider expansion of instant replay

NFL.com wire reports

NEW YORK (March 16, 2005) -- The NFL is considering expanding instant replay to cover "down by contact" plays that previously were not included in reviews.

Atlanta general manager Rich McKay, chairman of the league's competition committee, said the change will be considered next week in Maui at the annual league meetings.

In the past, replay has not applied to plays ruled dead because an official has blown a whistle calling the runner down.

"Those plays have been misunderstood," he said. "What we're considering would allow for a recovery if replay shows the ball came out before the play was down - even if the whistle has blown."

This will be one of the few years that instant replay itself will not be discussed. It was extended last year for five years although a proposal to put it in permanently was not approved.

"This is why we wanted to have it in for a length of time," McKay said during a conference call to preview the agenda for the meetings. "It gives us time to tweak some things we have in there without having to discuss the entire process."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/8298180

Posted: **Thu Mar 17, 2005 7:26 pm**

"Those plays have been misunderstood," he said. "What we're considering would allow for a recovery if replay shows the ball came out before the play was down - even if the whistle has blown."

I like this proposed change....however with the reluctance of the officials to blow the whistle nowadays...I'm surprised this really happens that often.

Posted: **Thu Mar 17, 2005 11:32 pm**

It happened to us a couple of time this past year so I am for it. My question is, if they blow the whistle and everyone stops, do you just get the ball at the spot where it was fumbled?

Posted: **Fri Mar 18, 2005 12:09 am**

NC43Hog wrote:It happened to us a couple of time this past year so I am for it. My question is, if they blow the whistle and everyone stops, do you just get the ball at the spot where it was fumbled?

Correct. No runbacks.

Posted: **Fri Mar 18, 2005 11:01 am**

That would make sense.

Posted: **Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:12 pm**

so wait, i'm not sure i understand this. if julius jones (just as an example) fumbles, and after a scramble, the ball is recovered by the skins, but the play is ruled down and the whistle is blown, gibbs can challenge the play. but if gibbs wins the challenge, the skins get the ball, even though, theoretically, play has stopped on the field prior to the reovery? seems a bit fishy to me.

Posted: **Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:24 pm**

joebagadonuts wrote:so wait, i'm not sure i understand this. if julius jones (just as an example) fumbles, and after a scramble, the ball is recovered by the skins, but the play is ruled down and the whistle is blown, gibbs can challenge the play. but if gibbs wins the challenge, the skins get the ball, even though, theoretically, play has stopped on the field prior to the reovery? seems a bit fishy to me.

That's it.

Not that Jules would fumble, of course :wink:

Posted: **Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:25 pm**

Why don't they expand instant replay to cover the penalty calls, that is where the refs are really lacking. I know it'd add time to the length of the game but as a fan I'm willing to have that for a fairly officiated game!

Posted: **Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:35 pm**

NikiH wrote:Why don't they expand instant replay to cover the penalty calls, that is where the refs are really lacking. I know it'd add time to the length of the game but as a fan I'm willing to have that for a fairly officiated game!

Because it would "undermine" the refs and hinder their ability to call a game.

Then you'd get the pundits who say human error is part of the game.

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:11 am**

Well it may undermind it but I would believe they may start actually pay attention and get it right after being undermined for a while.

Posted: **Sat Mar 19, 2005 11:49 pm**

They'd probably have to cut halftime down to, like, seventeen seconds if they allowed every disagreeable thing to be challenged.
Once you start increasing the number of incidents that can be challenged, couldn't it be assumed that in a few seasons you'd likely have to increase the number of challenges a coach can make ?
Pretty soon, you'll see red flags flying on the coin toss. The defensive captain will say he said "well..." in a southern accent while the referee hears "tails", and they'll have an Official Lip Reader in the booth and...
You know what ? This is definitely my last beer.

(again.)