Eagles

Here’s the List of NFL Rule Changes

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Mar 27th, 2018 · 3:25 PM EDT

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Bob wrote a bit last week about the proposed changes to the NFL’s catch rule.

More or less, we’re getting clarity on what the hell actually constitutes a catch.

In basic terms, the league is getting rid of the requirement to keep control of the ball during the process of going to the ground. There will be a new three-step process to follow:

1. control of the ball
2. get two feet down, or another body part
3. perform a football move, such as a third step or reaching/extending the ball

Still some vague language in there, yea? What constitutes a “football move?” I think we’re just sort of shifting the conversation without really solving the problem, but we’ll see how it goes.

Those new parameters were approved this morning, along with the following rule changes:

The playing rules & bylaws approved by @NFL clubs this morning pic.twitter.com/vyfeqLybLl

— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) March 27, 2018

The first bullet kind of slipped my mind. I forgot the new touchback placement was previously temporary.

Number seven is interesting, though, and would allow the league office to overrule on-field officials when it comes to ejecting players.

ESPN explains it with some context:

The rule to allow in-game ejections from the league’s officiating office was designed to address egregious hits last season by New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski and Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans in separate incidents.

Both were penalized 15 yards but referees declined to eject them. Referees will retain the authority to eject players as necessary.

Teams are also now able to trade players on injured reserve, a bylaw proposed by Denver:

The Broncos submitted a bylaw proposal that would allow teams to trade players off IR. Elway: pic.twitter.com/zZrciRD8Xz

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 25, 2018