The owners meetings mean the NFL is making rule changes. Here is the list of rule changes approved for the 2017 season.
2a. By Philadelphia; Prohibits the “leaper” block attempt on field goal and extra point plays. (Final language will be available on NFLCommunications.com)
8. By Competition Committee; Makes permanent the rule that disqualifies a player who is penalized twice in one game for certain types of unsportsmanlike conduct fouls.
9. By Competition Committee; Changes the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line for one year only.
11. By Competition Committee; Gives a receiver running a pass route defenseless player protection.
12. By Competition Committee; Makes crackback blocks prohibited by a backfield player who is in motion, even if he is not more than two yards outside the tackle when the ball is snapped.
13. By Competition Committee; Replaces the sideline replay monitor with a hand-held device and authorizes designated members of the Officiating department to make the final decision on replay reviews.
14. By Competition Committee; Makes it Unsportsmanlike Conduct to commit multiple fouls during the same down designed to manipulate the game clock.
15. By Competition Committee; Makes actions to conserve time illegal after the two-minute warning of either half.
The leaping on field goals ban makes a lot of sense to me. It eliminates some of the NFL’s contradictions on this. In the past it has felt like this has been the discussion.
NFL: Player safety is our primary concern.
Also NFL: This is legal.
Bobby Wagner box jumped that man for the field goal block. Sheesh! #SEAvsAZ pic.twitter.com/5xl6Vjs9NQ
— (@3lone) October 24, 2016