The NFL Expands Use of Replay Assist System
The NFL is constantly looking for ways to improve the game and make it more fair for all teams involved. In a recent announcement, the league has expanded its use of the replay assist system to include plays involving intentional grounding, roughing the passer, and late hits out of bounds. This decision was made after careful consideration and input from CBS Sports lead NFL insider, Jonathan Jones.
This new system will only be used when a flag is thrown for one of the aforementioned penalties. It will not be able to correct missed calls, but it will assist referees in making the right call on the field. For example, if a player is hit out of bounds but no flag is thrown, the replay assist system cannot correct that mistake.
According to Jones’ reporting, the use of replay assist on these plays will be for specific reasons. For intentional grounding, it will determine if the quarterback was in the pocket and under duress. For roughing the passer, it will look for clear and obvious evidence that the defender did not make contact to the head or neck area. And for late hits out of bounds, it will determine if the runner was hit while still in bounds.
These changes are a step in the right direction for the NFL and will likely be welcomed by teams and fans alike. However, the fact that the system cannot turn a no-call into a call may still lead to complaints and questions about missed calls. It will be interesting to see how this new system plays out and if it will be successful in making the game more fair.
One potential concern is that officials may start calling these penalties more often, knowing that the replay assist system can overturn them if necessary. This could lead to an increase in penalties and potentially slow down the pace of the game. We have seen a similar situation with the implementation of replay review for pass interference penalties a few seasons ago, which was ultimately scrapped due to its ineffectiveness.
Only time will tell if this expanded use of the replay assist system will be successful or if it will face the same fate as the pass interference review. But for now, it is a positive step towards improving the game and ensuring fairness for all teams. Let’s hope it lives up to its potential and doesn’t become another failed experiment in the NFL.
