sullim4 Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 I've heard that the NFL is going to change their officiating mechanics to place the umpire in the offensive backfield, starting with next season. This is due to concerns around injuries sustained by umpires this season. Personally I hope this information is wrong. I think this is a disaster waiting to happen. The U needs to be where he is for several reasons - to be better able to see holding infractions, to help the wing officials spot the ball, and to get it ready for play. The U has a 5-10 yard head start following a gain by being in the defensive backfield. During end-of-half situations, it's going to take them a whole lot longer to mark the ball ready for play since the U will have to travel a good 10 yards more to the ball, and consequently you'll see teams lose out on one or two plays. They tested this change in a prior preseason and it turned out horribly. Let's hope they figure that out again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
San Jose Bills Fan Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 I'd read that the NFL was contemplating this change. You seem to have very formed opinions on this proposed rule change. I consider myself a pretty hardcore NFL fan but I haven't given this any thought at all, as far as how it will challenge the officials to adjust to change. They might eventually be able to make this work, but there might be growing pains along the way and they might have to dramatically change the way they officiate games as far as the responsibilities of the entire officiating crew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jester43 Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 fewer holding penalties and less chance of throwing up points at the end of the half.....sounds like a godsend for this team.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
playman Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 agreed with any point made here. otoh, it reduces the possibility of running backs to use the U as an extra blocker. some RBs are really good at that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SageAgainstTheMachine Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 You guys are idiots. Tebow will never make it as a quarterback in the NFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papazoid Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 great idea....that Umpire is constantly in the way on running plays......and receivers use him to "pick" defenders..... then there is the infamous umpire who decided to make the tackle himself (was a former linebacker, he lined up that QB and thru a forearm at him) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRFOoOUV9Vs...feature=related or this umpire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH_QY2qiLMs...feature=related or this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-93Ogb5prA...feature=related Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billsfan89 Posted March 20, 2010 Share Posted March 20, 2010 I never understood why refs don't wear helmets (Hockey style no face-mask duh) to try and offer some protection. Football redfs are in such a vulnerable position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papazoid Posted March 21, 2010 Share Posted March 21, 2010 it's going to happen... http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/...sive-backfield/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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