Have you ever been watching an NFL game and a guy catches the ball in the end zone, takes two steps and then the defender knocks it out of his hands, and it’s called an incomplete pass? The truth is that the NFL’s rules are so confusing and subjective that one referee crew might call the same play one way, and another would call it completely differently. It’s time for the NFL to make some alterations to certain rules this offseason.
Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
15. Flexing Sunday Night Games
Getty ImagesRight now, only two games can be flexed into Sunday night between Weeks 5 and 10. Why shouldn't games be allowed to be flexed all season long? Fans want to see big matchups in primetime nationally televised. While we're at it, why can't we flex schedule Monday night games as well?
14. Writing on Eye Black or Wearing Pink Outside of October
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If a player wants to support a great cause by writing a message on his eye black or wearing a certain color that represents awareness, the NFL should encourage it, not discourage it. The fact that the NFL fined Cameron Heyward, DeAngelo Willilams and William Gay is a joke.
13. Domestic Violence Penalties
Getty ImagesIf a player is convicted of domestic violence, he should be removed from the league for good. There should be a no-tolerance rule as this six-game suspension for a first offense hasn't made any impact.
12. Every NFL Team Must Get a Primetime Game
Getty ImagesCan I see a show of hands of fans excited to watch this Thursday night's game between the Jaguars and Titans? Aside from fans of the two teams, and fantasy football aficionados, no one cares.
11. Injury Report Rules
Getty ImagesIf I don't want the other team to know that one of my players is battling an injury, I shouldn't have to disclose that. The fact that the NFL is considering fining the Bears a substantial amount of money for this circumstance is laughable. Keep doing you, John Fox.
10. Blackout Rules
Getty ImagesIf you live in the vicinity of your favorite team, you should be able to see every game of the season. This whole blackout rule is ridiculous. Comes back to money, like everything else with the NFL.
9. Deflating Footballs
Getty ImagesWho cares? Let a quarterback have the ball pumped to his preference. The fact that the NFL is still fighting this in court is laughable.
8. Celebrations
Getty ImagesThis is where the NFL gets the name, "The No Fun League." If Jimmy Graham wants to dunk through the goalposts, let him do it. If a player wants to use a ball as a prop, let him. After all, isn't spiking the football using the ball as a prop?
7. Contact With the Quarterback's Helmet
Getty ImagesIf a quarterback gets slammed helmet-to-helmet, then it should be a foul. On the other hand, if a defender grazes a facemask or puts a fingernail on his helmet, then let it go. There has to be some common sense here.
6. Free Kick After Safety
Getty ImagesWhy can't we have a normal kickoff after a safety?
5. Kickoff Rule
Getty ImagesIf the kickoff is the most dangerous play on the football field, then eliminate it. Have drives start at the 25 after scores and eliminate the kickoff all together.
4. Extra Point
Getty ImagesI don't understand why the NFL made an extra point a 33-yard field goal. There have been a number of teams that have been put in precarious positions this season because of a missed extra point. There's been too much of an emphasis on kickers with this rule and not enough on the players who busted their butts to score the touchdown.
3. Pass Interference
Getty ImagesIllegal contact is a five-yard penalty and an automatic first down. The same goes for defensive holding. But why is pass interference a spot foul? Even in college, it's capped at 15 yards. Wide receivers in the NFL have begun to act and do things to draw a foul which takes away from the integrity of the game. Cap the penalty at 15 yards.
2. Coach's Challenges
Getty ImagesThe NFL needs to adopt the same rules that college football has. Why should instant replays be limited to two coach's challenges? If the NFL's goal is to get calls right, then every play should be reviewed. Have an official sit up in the press box, or in New York, and have them buzz when there is something that needs to be looked at.
1. The Catch Rule
Getty ImagesDoes anyone honestly know what a catch is? During Sunday's Giants-Patriots game, Odell Beckham Jr. caught the ball in the end zone, took two steps and then had the ball knocked out of his hands. He met all the requirements of the catch, but he didn't "complete the process." Now, if Beckham Jr. would've dropped the ball on his own to celebrate right there, it would've been a touchdown. Come on NFL, make it clear what a catch is or isn't. This subjectivity is ridiculous.
