Football Which, if any, old rules would make the NFL more interesting/exciting?

Stewie · 03:22 PM

I did a little research on rule changes in professional football over the last 100+ years. Some crazy rules back in the day.

I cherry-picked a few that might be feasible in today's NFL.

Pick up to 3 choices

**notorious** · 01-03-2023, 03:19 PM

Exploding football.

**Rain Man** · 01-03-2023, 03:20 PM

There used to be a rule that you actually had to touch the ball to the ground in the end zone for a score. If a defensive player was touching you when you went over, he could keep fighting you for control of the ball and the play wasn't over until he got the ball or you touched it down (hence the word 'touchdown').

Imagine that in the modern NFL. Fade passes in the end zone would no longer count, and on short runs, the scrum would be marvelous.

**Rain Man** · 01-03-2023, 03:22 PM

I like the wide hash marks, but mostly because it would make field goals harder.

Mecole on a jet sweep would also like wide hash marks.

I also voted to allow defensive contact with receivers.

Wilson8 · 01-03-2023, 03:45 PM

I'm going to wait and vote after I see how the Chiefs do in the playoffs. It's possible that the rules are just fine as they are.

Of course, if we have a damn holding or DPI penalty, I may want to change those rules.

ModSocks · 01-03-2023, 03:45 PM

Bring back kick returns.

Radar Chief · 01-03-2023, 03:50 PM

The XFL started a game with each team picking a player and they had a scrum for the football instead of a coin toss. That was fun.

Gary Cooper · 01-03-2023, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilson8

I'm going to wait and vote after I see how the Chiefs do in the playoffs. It's possible that the rules are just fine as they are.

Of course, if we have a damn holding or DPI penalty, I may want to change those rules.

DPI should be 15 yards only, like in college football.

Stewie · 01-03-2023, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilson8

I'm going to wait and vote after I see how the Chiefs do in the playoffs. It's possible that the rules are just fine as they are.

Of course, if we have a damn holding or DPI penalty, I may want to change those rules.

I thought about adding PI calls being reviewed. That was a horrible train wreck.

Radar Chief · 01-03-2023, 04:02 PM

Bring back the H style goal posts and put them back on the goal line. If players can't avoid them then Darwin's ghost will smile.

Why Not? · 01-03-2023, 05:05 PM

DBs allowed non interference or holding contact more than 5 yards downfield. This penalty is dumb as is and totally subjective. Unless a guy is wide open, there is always some contact after 5 yards. Let them play.

tredadda · 01-03-2023, 05:08 PM

I would put the goal posts in front of the end zones again because why not.

BWillie · 01-03-2023, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewie

I did a little research on rule changes in professional football over the last 100+ years. Some crazy rules back in the day.

I cherry-picked a few that might be feasible in today's NFL.

Pick up to 3 choices

Make every team go for two. Do everything you can to eliminate the importance of kickers.

Oline should not be penalized for crackback blocks because all they are trying to do is extend the play for a scrambling QB. You want them to just stand there?

InChiefsHeaven · 01-03-2023, 05:23 PM

No more spot fouls. For anything.

**DaFace** · 01-03-2023, 05:25 PM

Honestly, for as much as we gripe about the rules, none of these seem all that attractive. Maybe allowing more downfield contact, but there's no doubt that offense is more exciting than defense.

View Poll Results: Which rules might work today?
TD +XP = 8 pts; FG = 2 pts.	2	5.71%
2 pt. conversion not an option (allowing 2 pt. conversion is a relatively new change)	0	0%
Very Wide hash marks. 15 feet from sideline	4	11.43%
Wide hash marks (pre 1973 width) – Defensive advantage when ball spotted on hash	6	17.14%
Forward pass must initiate 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage	1	2.86%
Only 1 forward pass allowed per set of downs	3	8.57%
Runner down only when forward progress is stopped. ( i.e. Knee touching OK if runner advancing)	2	5.71%
Go back to wider uprights	3	8.57%
Allow all players on punt team to run downfield at the snap, not the actual punt	3	8.57%
Defenders can leap over the line of scrimmage to block FG attempts	8	22.86%
No fair catches while receiving a punt	3	8.57%
Incidental face mask not penalized	9	25.71%
Offensive blockers are not allowed to extend arms or grasp defensive players	1	2.86%
15 yard penalty for offensive holding	0	0%
Out of bounds kickoff spotted at 30	2	5.71%
Coin flip cannot be deferred. Winner gets ball, loser chooses goal to defend	3	8.57%
DBs allowed contact with WRs beyond 5 yards. Holding and PI still penalized	15	42.86%
Sudden death OT. No ties.	13	37.14%
Gaz thinks most of these should be implemented. He’s old school.	3	8.57%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 35. You may not vote on this poll

01-03-2023, 03:12 PM
Stewie MVP Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West of the Equator Casino cash: $1919901	Which, if any, old rules would make the NFL more interesting/exciting? I did a little research on rule changes in professional football over the last 100+ years. Some crazy rules back in the day. I cherry-picked a few that might be feasible in today's NFL. Pick up to 3 choices Last edited by Stewie; 01-03-2023 at 03:22 PM..
Posts: 13,604

01-03-2023, 03:19 PM	#2
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $2935884	Exploding football.
Posts: 83,362	1 0

01-03-2023, 03:20 PM	#3
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $3328491 VARSITY	There used to be a rule that you actually had to touch the ball to the ground in the end zone for a score. If a defensive player was touching you when you went over, he could keep fighting you for control of the ball and the play wasn't over until he got the ball or you touched it down (hence the word 'touchdown'). Imagine that in the modern NFL. Fade passes in the end zone would no longer count, and on short runs, the scrum would be marvelous. __________________ I'm putting random letters here as a celebration of free speech: xigrakgrah misorojeq rkemeseit.
Posts: 141,405

01-03-2023, 03:22 PM	#4
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $3328491 VARSITY	I like the wide hash marks, but mostly because it would make field goals harder. Mecole on a jet sweep would also like wide hash marks. I also voted to allow defensive contact with receivers. __________________ I'm putting random letters here as a celebration of free speech: xigrakgrah misorojeq rkemeseit.
Posts: 141,405

01-03-2023, 03:45 PM	#5
Wilson8 Veteran Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $3637557	I'm going to wait and vote after I see how the Chiefs do in the playoffs. It's possible that the rules are just fine as they are. Of course, if we have a damn holding or DPI penalty, I may want to change those rules.
Posts: 3,920

01-03-2023, 03:45 PM	#6
ModSocks Needs more middle fingers Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $4284563	Bring back kick returns. __________________ Life is like a dick. Sometimes it gets hard for no reason, but it can't stay hard forever.
Posts: 64,332

01-03-2023, 03:50 PM	#7
Radar Chief Wearing ballistic dog goggles. Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: In the box. Casino cash: $5251503	The XFL started a game with each team picking a player and they had a scrum for the football instead of a coin toss. That was fun. __________________ Like "Cool Hand" Luke I'm busting rocks. __/\|_/[___] \|/ \\_\| ---OllllO _( ))~-( ))-0--))
Posts: 25,234

01-03-2023, 04:02 PM	#10
Radar Chief Wearing ballistic dog goggles. Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: In the box. Casino cash: $5251503	Bring back the H style goal posts and put them back on the goal line. If players can't avoid them then Darwin's ghost will smile. __________________ Like "Cool Hand" Luke I'm busting rocks. __/\|_/[___] \|/ \\_\| ---OllllO _( ))~-( ))-0--))
Posts: 25,234

01-03-2023, 05:05 PM	#11
Why Not? In Search of a Life Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Kansas Casino cash: $3168994	DBs allowed non interference or holding contact more than 5 yards downfield. This penalty is dumb as is and totally subjective. Unless a guy is wide open, there is always some contact after 5 yards. Let them play.
Posts: 21,698

01-03-2023, 05:08 PM	#12
tredadda Three-Pat Join Date: May 2011 Location: Colorado Springs Casino cash: $1875053	I would put the goal posts in front of the end zones again because why not.
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01-03-2023, 05:23 PM	#14
InChiefsHeaven Rockin' yer FACE OFF! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Casino cash: $3884937	No more spot fouls. For anything. __________________ We have a million reasons for failure, but not one excuse... Die Donks, DIE!! Holy Crap fellas!!! We did it!!! THREE TIMES!!!
Posts: 25,728	1 0

01-03-2023, 05:25 PM	#15
DaFace Kind of a mod Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Donkey Land Casino cash: $2036899	Honestly, for as much as we gripe about the rules, none of these seem all that attractive. Maybe allowing more downfield contact, but there's no doubt that offense is more exciting than defense.
Posts: 51,767	1 0