Crazy Rule 12: NFL approves change to challenge rules proposed by Detroit Lion…
At the NFL’s league meetings in Orlando on Monday, the competition committee decided to modify the rules regarding rule challenges in response to a suggestion put up by the Detroit Lions. If at least one of a team’s two challenges was successful earlier in the game, the Lions proposed that teams should be awarded a third challenge.
A team was only eligible for a third challenge prior to the rule modification if they had completed their first two tasks successfully. But a team wouldn’t go to the fourth challenge if they won the third one.
Before the votes on new proposals, the Indianapolis Colts withdrew their proposal to allow a coach or replay official to challenge any foul that has been called.
NFL approves hip-drop tackle ban
The NFL has reportedly made the final decision on the controversial hip-drop tackle. Despite the NFLPA giving the proposal to ban the tackling technique a resounding, “no,” the league is moving forward with a ban, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Per Rapoport, the committee was unanimous in its decision.
By enacting the competition committee’s proposal_ a hip-drop tackle penalty will result in a loss of 15 yards and an automatic first down for the opposing team. Here is the NFL Competition Committee’s proposed amendment to Rule 12, Section 2 of the NFL rule book:
“Article 18. Hip-drop tackle. It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground:
(a) grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and
(b) unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”
