NFL must make face mask fouls reviewable

Face Mask Fouls: A Call for Change in the NFL’s Replay System

The Rams likely would have emerged victorious regardless, but the way the door was slammed shut on the Vikings serves as a glaring reminder of one of the significant flaws in the league’s current replay system. Face mask fouls continue to remain unreviewable, despite being one of the original safety rules implemented long before the NFL acknowledged the importance of player health. At one point, the league eliminated the distinction between major and minor (five-yard) fouls, categorizing any grabbing or pulling of an opponent’s face mask as a personal foul, resulting in 15 yards and an automatic first down.

So, why has it never been subject to replay review? It takes hardly any time to confirm that it occurred, and the evidence is typically clear and straightforward. The ramifications of officials missing this foul in real-time can be hugely detrimental. On Thursday night, the officials missed the critical moment when Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold’s face mask was grabbed during a game-securing safety, eliminating any opportunity for Minnesota to drive the length of the field and force overtime.

If the foul had been called, the Vikings would have retained possession with a first down at their own 20-yard line, with just 1:36 left in the game. Consider how replay review has evolved over the years; an increasing number of situations that were once unreviewable are now subject to review. With the recent surge in replay assistance, the NFL is doing more than ever to back its officials, who often have a different perspective on the field action compared to viewers at home ph365co.

When an incident like this is overlooked, it can be corrected swiftly. However, due to the rules that still bar the review of face mask calls, no action could be taken luka doncic fiba 2023 . Even on a scoring play, which is typically reviewable, a face mask incident can’t be reviewed because of its ongoing exclusion from the process. The mistake made on Thursday night didn’t just impact the Vikings; it deprived the league and its fans of the opportunity to see whether the Vikings could have mounted a drive, scored a touchdown, converted a two-point attempt, and forced overtime.

Moreover, with the NFL’s full acceptance of gambling, fans who placed bets on the Vikings faced the bewildering reality of questionable rules deciding the outcome of their wagers prematurely. At some point, situations like this could create significant issues for the league. Hopefully, this incident will serve as a catalyst for change. Ideally, someone will report on Friday that the Competition Committee is planning to discuss in the offseason the possibility of making non-foul face masks reviewable.

What, then, is the argument against it? (I’ll wait.) Nobody can claim it would slow down the game; when it occurs, it’s apparent. It’s clear that the NFL has failed to tackle an issue that should have been resolved long ago. Whether for player safety, competitive fairness, the integrity of bets, or a mix of these concerns, action is needed. Even though the NFL generally resists changing the rules mid-season, the time for change is now. As long as this flaw exists, the likelihood of similar situations occurring remains.

What if it happens during a critical moment in a postseason game? bagong viral What if it determines the outcome of the Super Bowl? While it may be improbable that changes will happen mid-season (even if they should), it absolutely must change during the offseason. Failing to do so would amount to (ongoing) malpractice by the league. So again, what’s the argument against it? why is dwight ramos called the saint I’ll wait.

Do you think the NFL will ever reconsider the reviewability of face mask fouls?