Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

While surfing on [url=http://www.businessinsider.com]Business Insider[/url], I stumbled across some possible hints of an unrecognizable NFL by 2020. A bunch of rule changes that could eliminate how the game is currently played.

[B][U]*Disclaimer* In no way, shape, or form am I saying that these rule changes will take place in the near future,[/U][/B] but there is a possibility that by 2020, the game could be completely different than how its played currently. Let's take a look at a list I complied from the website.

[B][CENTER]Possible Rule Changes For 2020 in the NFL (But I doubt a few of them)[/CENTER][/B]

1. In 2020, the NFL might just have offenses start at the 20 every time.
2. If NFL teams practiced without helmets, players might not learn how to do that.
3. The NFL could go further and just take helmets away on Sundays; hits would immediately get softer. A bonus: more marketable players with more recognizable faces.
4. If a quarterback sack resulted in just an incomplete pass – and not a loss of yardage – you can bet the players who are the faces of the league would undergo far fewer injuries.
5. Like field goals, punts would become all about the attempted block.
6. Kickers, punters, and QBs could wear blaze orange jerseys, signifying them as un-hittable players who are downed by touch only.
7. Imagine if only players weighing under 230 pounds were allowed to cover kicks – or if safeties had to weigh less than receivers. Force = Mass X Acceleration.
8. Hines Ward is the king of blocks defenders never saw coming. By 2020, these blindside blocks to the head of a defender might be illegal.
9. Defenders who leave their feet on tackles have poor fundamentals. They often miss tackles. But when they do connect, its often brutal. By 2020, this could be a penalty.
10. Some coaches put their quarterbacks in the shotgun formation to give them an extra second to throw the ball before getting hit. By 2020, all offensive plays might start in the formation.

-----------------------------

The only rule(s) I could possibly agree with is the defender leaving his feet on tackles. I do think more often than not, it results in poor fundamentals. As far as not being able to touch punters, kickers, and QBs, I think that's dumb. They already have rules in place for roughing and running into kickers and punters, I don't believe there is a need to protect them any more past that. But, QBs? Come on, they have already lightened up on the QBs quite a bit as it is.

But, let's say all or most of these rules passed, would you continue watching the NFL?
[URL="http://www.businessinsider.com/for-the-nfl-to-survive-it-must-make-these-rule-changes-by-2020-2010-10#no-more-devastating-hits-1"]
An unrecognizable NFL by 2020 [/URL]

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

In the next few years, i definitely see rules being implemented that make hitting the QB illegal. People like Tom Brady are really to blame for this, but its clear the league wants it. I think it will be a two hand touch type of thing, where you can grab the QB but no type of violent slam or sack...

I think icing the kicker (calling a timeout before the kicker can kick) should be made illegal.

And lastly, i do think that they need to make blind-side hits (like the hines ward hits, or how DeSean Jackson was almost decapitated this year) illegal. We are way too close to an on-field death from this, if something is not done. The league needs a rule to protect defenseless players on plays like that...

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

I would think that by making it illegal to leave your feet when trying to tackle could possibly temper some of those hits.

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

[quote=skinsguy;777671]I would think that by making it illegal to leave your feet when trying to tackle could possibly temper some of those hits.[/quote]

I think so too.

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

Link to the beginning of the article:

[url=http://www.businessinsider.com/for-the-nfl-to-survive-it-must-make-these-rule-changes-by-2020-2010-10]You Won't Recognize The NFL In 2020[/url]

I can't remember if it was here or elsewhere that I saw this before

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

AFAIC thats a bunch of ridiculous hoohaa.

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

Super Bowl 2020 Teams:
Detroit Fluffy Bunnies vs Dallas Cowgirls

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

Well, we already have Dallas Cowgirls so I dont see that much changing in that department.
Unless you're talking about the Lingerie league.

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

I think they should go back to leather helmets without a facemask.
My Dad broke his nose 7 times....looked like Bob Hope....looked pretty cool.
otherwise...if they go nuts on these protection rules....they should just make them all wear tutus

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

Total overreaction

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

no way this happens

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

2020...When the hell is that? :confused:

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

[quote=Longtimefan;777714]2020...When the hell is that? :confused:[/quote]

8 years after the end of the world occurs.

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

20/20 hasn't been the same since Hugh Downs left

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

[quote=tryfuhl;777727]8 years after the end of the world occurs.[/quote]

No, it's the start of the new mayan calender long year.
[YT]YUhEigdFFyI[/YT]
Gosh you guys are in such a hurry for the world to end :D

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

Wolrd Ends 2012? Well, let´s start with 0 again after this year. Bam, problem solved. :)

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

[yt]_eyFiClAzq8[/yt]

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

Inspired by?

[IMG]http://www.mikearauz.com/images/conan_year2000.jpg[/IMG]

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

Getting back to the topic. In no way do I believe the NFL would actually implement these rules...they aren't necessarily being discussed on a serious level (at least I hope not) by the NFL. But, just hypothetically speaking, could you imagine if some of these rule changes did take place? I suppose you could have your favorite QB playing for 30+ years (because he would never get hit.) But, I can't imagine never having a kick-off or punt return? Seems like we see more players getting hurt on actual offensive plays than special teams (maybe I'm wrong on that?)

I think if anything, I could agree with a player not being aloud to leave his feet when trying to tackle somebody. Of course that means Dante Hall would have to learn how to tackle! ;-)

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

If the NFL looks anything like this, I won't be watching anymore. I love the NFL just the way it is. Don't expand the playoffs, don't extend the regular season, just enforce the helmet to helmet contact more vigilantly (greater fines), and you'll see the game become a lot safer.

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

I was watching the last Redskins Super Bowl the other day on DVD, and one thing that I noticed was that the defense (Redskins defense) did a lot better job of tackling. They were taking the time to wrap the player up and throw him to the ground instead of trying to launch himself at the running as some kind of human missile. The game was still very much exciting without the major collision! I don't know if it was somewhere along the line, these players, having the "me" attitudes and trying to make a name for themselves, decided that they needed to step up the entertainment value by going for bigger hits instead of using fundamentals.

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

Don't they already have a sport with alot of these rules? I think its called Soccer and it pretty much sucks.

Re: Possible Rule Changes for 2020
 

[quote=Jontrem;777858]Don't they already have a sport with alot of these rules? I think its called Soccer and it pretty much sucks.[/quote]

I'm hitting the "like" button LOL!