Topics to be discussed in depth include overtime rules, punts, the Brian Flores lawsuit, as well as a potential suspension for Deshaun Watson.
PALM BEACH — There is virtually zero chance that the owners of the NFL Compete this week, during the annual meetings, with the accumulation of big news that caused the notorious trades and signings so far during free agency.
Also, they probably won’t even try.
Headlines generated by team changes of star players now show Russell Wilson with the Denver Broncos, Matt Ryan with the Indianapolis Colts, Khalil Mack with Los Angeles Chargers, Davante Adams with Las Vegas Raiders and Tyreek Hill with the Miami Dolphins. And, so many more in important movements.
The 32 team owners of the NFL they will deal with some significant issues, as they always do. Two proposed overtime rule changes are particularly intriguing.
The Tennessee Titans have recommended that both teams possess the ball in overtime, unless the team receiving the kickoff in overtime scores a touchdown and 2-point conversion. That would end the game.
Indianapolis and the Philadelphia Eagles they have proposed that both teams should be given the opportunity to possess the ball in overtime. The powerful Competition Committeeheaded by the president of the Atlanta Falcons, Rich McKayhas submitted both suggestions to owners for consideration and vote this week.
“One thing we’ve tried to do is make sure overtime is designed to be traditional football,” he revealed. McKay“And that means we’re going to have special teams, we’re going to have field position, we’re going to have to play defense. All of those things are elements. We try to play traditional American football.
“But, the progression of the offense and how efficient the offenses are, particularly in the postseason where in 12 OT games, the team that wins the coin toss has won 10 times and seven of them on the first possession, offenses progress quite a bit. So, that’s why there’s this discussion of rule changes.”
Fans who believe the current system is unfair — teams that win the coin toss can score a touchdown and end the game before the opponent has an offensive opportunity — should be excited that the NFL I’m reviewing the topic. Except for the following:
“I think with my history around this rule, it tells me that 24 votes is not easy to get,” he explained. McKay of the required votes, three-fourths of the owners, to adopt a change. “But I think the statistics absolutely warrant an evaluation to determine if our overtime rules need to be changed.”
A new stadium for Buffalo Billsproposed to be built in the parking lot of the current headquarters in the suburb of Orchard Park, New York, will be evaluated. The state of New York is committing millions of dollars to the project, and the owners are expected to approve a $200 million loan to the Bills.
Although no alterations to the punt rules have been proposed, a thorough evaluation is underway. Data shows punt plays have become a major source of injuries, though the league is in no rush to make changes yet.
“We spent a lot of time on that, both with regards to rules, potential rule changes, as well as looking at who are the athletes that are getting hurt and what training is done with special teams players, and seeing if there are adjustments. [necesarios]”he explained Jeff Miller, executive vice president of the league. “It’s not just a rule change issue, it’s certainly a conditioning issue and one that we spent a lot of time with. Competition Committee with respect to seeking solutions and resuming the investigation. That’s where we are at that point, a lot of work done and probably an ongoing conversation throughout the next year.”
the commissioner Roger Goodell will certainly face questions about a potential suspension for the quarterback Deshaun Watsonnow with the Cleveland Browns. Watson He was facing criminal charges of sexual misconduct in Texasbut two grand juries declined to indict him. Watson he still faces 22 civil lawsuits from massage therapists who have accused the pin of harassing or assaulting them during sessions.
The lawsuit filed by the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Brian Floresnow an assistant for Pittsburgh Steelerswill also be, for sure, a hot topic among the owners. Flores filed his claim against the NFL, Dolphins, New York Giants and Broncos after his dismissal in January for Miamiciting racist hiring practices.
