NFL seriously needs to fix pass interference... (1 Viewer)

[PatsWillWin]

I dislike the Patriots as much as the next guy but why all the whining about this particular call? The guy kept putting his hands on the receiver and was obviously trying to skirt the line between good coverage and interference. He crossed it and was called for it. End of story.

I agree, except the problem is he was called for PI inside the end zone, which puts the ball on the 1. I think it would've been a fine call if it was about the contact that happened around the 15-20. In the end zone there was nothing.

 

[Franknbeans]

make up call for the Panthers game

 

[Short Corner]

I dislike the Patriots as much as the next guy but why all the whining about this particular call? The guy kept putting his hands on the receiver and was obviously trying to skirt the line between good coverage and interference. He crossed it and was called for it. End of story.

I don't mind the flag on the play. I mind the contact that produced the flag. Yes, the defender was actually PI'ing at the 15 or 20, but the contact in the end zone which produced the flag was just 2 guys fighting for the ball.

Should there have been a flag for contact? Yes. Should there have been a flag for the contact in the endzone? No.

Hand fighting/two guys fighting for the ball is generally reserved for when both players are somewhat even (ie stride-for-stride). When the defender gets beat, any time he makes an early play for the receivers arms without looking back should be PI. The Cleveland DB blew it by putting himself in horrible position. Letting the receiver get behind you in that situation is inexcusable.

 

[Buffaloes]

by the looks of yesterday's game PI already is fixed

 

[Shanahanigans]

I like half the distance to the goal penalties for PI which happen past half way to the end zone. Maybe they could put in a rule like, "inside the last 2 minutes of a game PI is half the distance". I don't know, but I agree it's flawed.

 

[ShamrockPride]

The problem is in the subjectivity of the calls by the referees - what's PI here in one game is not PI in another. The PI can even be called two different ways on nearly the same play in the same game.

Subjective penalties are harming the competitive balance of the league on three kinds of calls these days:

• Pass interference
• Roughing the passer
• Illegal grounding

Point taken on that bogus roughing the passer "hit" on McCown...

 

[delusional]

Should be 15 yards like college, IMO.

Works fine there.

If I was a CB and was beat deep, I would mug the WR. Would hate watching that in the NFL.

Thats when they get flag for a personal foul along with pass interference. 15 + 15

 

[zftcg]

I wouldn't mind seeing PI penalties changed, but I'd also like to see defensive holding no longer be an automatic first down. It's ridiculous when a team with 3rd and 24 throws incomplete, and then gets the first on a ticky-tack holding call.

 

[BoltBacker]

And to all three points, I agree. The NFL officiating is brutal, worse than any sport, any level, and this particular rule takes the game out away from the players and puts the outcome in the hands of the zebras far too often.

I'm guessing you haven't watched much NBA basketball. It turned into pro-wrestling years ago.

I haven't watched much MLB, but that's because I can never really understand from game to game where the strike zone is. It's only one aspect of the game, but that single aspect is more than half the sport.

 

[BoltBacker]

Make all penalties reviewable/challengable.

I would be for that if each HC could only challenge calls until he was wrong once and the refs were right.

I like the automatic reviews of scores and turnovers but there are way too many reviews of other stuff. Make it a bigger decision for the coach to review a call. But I would also limit timeout to 3 per game so losing a timeout would be huge and if you were out of timeouts you lose your ability to challenge. Let's get these games moving again. Between all the commercial breaks, the reviews, and the timeouts a game seems to drag on forever imo. And we know the commercial breaks aren't going away so......

 

[ShamrockPride]

And to all three points, I agree. The NFL officiating is brutal, worse than any sport, any level, and this particular rule takes the game out away from the players and puts the outcome in the hands of the zebras far too often.

I'm guessing you haven't watched much NBA basketball. It turned into pro-wrestling years ago.I haven't watched much MLB, but that's because I can never really understand from game to game where the strike zone is. It's only one aspect of the game, but that single aspect is more than half the sport.

Woah woah woah. I'm an NBA aficionado more so than NFL even so I know what's going on there.

Pro-Wrestling? Are you insinuating you can actually try to defend a player like LeBron James by doing more than breathing on him (which is a foul as well 50% of the time)?

At least the NFL hasn't had an issue like flopping to deal with for the most part.....oh wait, that's starting to happen as well.

 

[fbelange]

How would you handle end of games where a guy can just grab a WR when the offense is pinned deep? Like :30 left to play, those 40-50 yard penalties is what keeps some teams in the game.

Perhaps they could enact the 'ball on the 1-yard line' rule for the last 2 min. of each half? That way, games cannot be completely won by tackling a WR in the endzone for a game-winner.

Its a tough issue and I see both sides of the fence....just not sure the best way to go about it.

Maybe the NFL could make an exception here....the ONLY penalty that can be reviwed/challenged is Pass Interference in the EndZone....I like that idea alot.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

I wouldn't mind seeing PI penalties changed, but I'd also like to see defensive holding no longer be an automatic first down. It's ridiculous when a team with 3rd and 24 throws incomplete, and then gets the first on a ticky-tack holding call.

if it's 3rd and 24 the defense should not need to be in a position to where there is even a chance this could be called.....they know the rules...at 3rd and 24 you can play "good enough" defense not to give up 24 freakin yards without needing to grab somebody....

bottom line...there is a reason it is an automatic first down....the theory is there is no way to tell how many yards the offense would have/could have gotten had there not been holding......if they make it to where it is not an automatic first down you will see a ton of holding calls, and I have a feeling people would start #####ing about it back the other way....

 

[Stinkin Ref]

How would you handle end of games where a guy can just grab a WR when the offense is pinned deep? Like :30 left to play, those 40-50 yard penalties is what keeps some teams in the game.

Perhaps they could enact the 'ball on the 1-yard line' rule for the last 2 min. of each half? That way, games cannot be completely won by tackling a WR in the endzone for a game-winner.

Its a tough issue and I see both sides of the fence....just not sure the best way to go about it.

Maybe the NFL could make an exception here....the ONLY penalty that can be reviwed/challenged is Pass Interference in the EndZone....I like that idea alot.

no way that ever happens......

and really what's the difference between PI at the 1 yard line and PI in the end zone....besides one yard....real likelihood offense would have continued on to score on the play with PI at the 1...(ie fall into end zone)......so PI at the 1 is not reveiwable but PI in the end zone is......what about PI at the 2 or at the 6 that prevents a possible TD...?....can't review those?

 

[fbelange]

How would you handle end of games where a guy can just grab a WR when the offense is pinned deep? Like :30 left to play, those 40-50 yard penalties is what keeps some teams in the game.

Perhaps they could enact the 'ball on the 1-yard line' rule for the last 2 min. of each half? That way, games cannot be completely won by tackling a WR in the endzone for a game-winner.

Its a tough issue and I see both sides of the fence....just not sure the best way to go about it.

Maybe the NFL could make an exception here....the ONLY penalty that can be reviwed/challenged is Pass Interference in the EndZone....I like that idea alot.

no way that ever happens......

and really what's the difference between PI at the 1 yard line and PI in the end zone....besides one yard....real likelihood offense would have continued on to score on the play with PI at the 1...(ie fall into end zone)......so PI at the 1 is not reveiwable but PI in the end zone is......what about PI at the 2 or at the 6 that prevents a possible TD...?....can't review those?

Have to draw the line somewhere.... maybe

'If a Pass interference call is made inside the defending teams own 20 yard line, on a clearly catchable ball, an exception to rule xxx.xx is in effect. The call can be challeneged by either team and standard replay rules are the in effect. If the challenging team loses the challenge, all further attempts to challenge shall be removed, as well as a timeout. If the challenging team wins the review, they will be deducted a challenge attempt, but will retain the ability to challenge other plays, as per rule xxx.xx. Under no circumstances can this PI call be challeneged again. In an obvious case of a miss-call, in the last 2 minutes of each half, if the team wihsing to challenge the PI call has previously done so, the call to review MUST come from the booth. The intent of this rule is to prevent blatant missed-calls in close games in which 20 or more yards can be awarded to a team with a reasonable chance to score, adversely effecting the outcome of a game in an extremely improbable manner, due to a missed call"

Im sure the NFL could use some ridiculous verabge and make this rule happen. Its clear tha ### can be abused, thus can only be used once etc etc. Provisions in place for it to not be abused, but it protects teams from losing a game to a flat-out terrible PI call that 99% of the football world knows won the other team the game.

 

[Stinkin Ref]

not buying it.....sorry....these refs are the best in the world and they put in a ton of time into what they do.....every call they make, and even ones they don't are scrutinized beyond belief.....they are critiqued and evaluated probably more than any other group of officials.....heck, they have DVD's waiting for them to review on the plane ride home of the whole game, highlighting any close calls.....they are paid to make judgment calls and enforce the rules to the best of their ability.....they get waaaaaaaaaay more right than they miss.....

every time there is a controversial call.....especially if it happens at the end of the game....people are up in arms and the first thing they want is more replay control of the game.....just don't think it's ever going to happen the way you outline here......it's almost getting to the point of people wanting to review any call....I don't think you want to see that.....and what about the first 58 minutes of a game...?....some pretty impactful stuff happens then too.....that has an effect on the outcome of a game.....rarely does one call decide a game that is played for 60 minutes.....and as many coaches have accepted, but most fans won't....the idea is not to put yourself in a position where something can change the outcome.....the first two minutes are as important as the last two, etc....take care of business in the first 58 so that a call that doesn't go your way late doesn't cost you.....a PI call or no PI call in the first quarter can turn a game (have an impact) just as much as one late.....

the call that people are referencing in this thread was a good call.....defender was beat repeatedly on that route and committed PI....

and then....what about situations where no PI is called...?.....and maybe there should have been.......are those "reviewable" too.....

what about OPI....pick plays....?....pushing off.....?...that isn't called....can we take a look at those too?

how about the fact that an offensive player can basically tackle a defensive player trying to make an interception when the defender has better position on the ball......they get mugged and there is no call, and often the offensive player is applauded for "becoming the defender" and preventing the interception.....when if the role was reversed it would be an automatic DPI....

guess I'm just saying I think the NFL has the rules and things set up pretty well where there is still the human element involved and replay is helping on certain things......but I don't think you want to see penalties or non-penalties starting to be reviewed all the time.....(however I do like the college rule of being able to review targeting penalties to determine ejection or not, they won't pick up the flag for the penalty on a defenseless player (which doesn't make any sense) but they will prevent ejection if not warranted).....

 

[zftcg]

I wouldn't mind seeing PI penalties changed, but I'd also like to see defensive holding no longer be an automatic first down. It's ridiculous when a team with 3rd and 24 throws incomplete, and then gets the first on a ticky-tack holding call.

if it's 3rd and 24 the defense should not need to be in a position to where there is even a chance this could be called.....they know the rules...at 3rd and 24 you can play "good enough" defense not to give up 24 freakin yards without needing to grab somebody....

bottom line...there is a reason it is an automatic first down....the theory is there is no way to tell how many yards the offense would have/could have gotten had there not been holding......if they make it to where it is not an automatic first down you will see a ton of holding calls, and I have a feeling people would start #####ing about it back the other way....

I don't buy it. Take away the AFD and the offense still gets five yards and a replay of the down. Do you see teams deliberately jumping offsides in order to get a bead on the QB, knowing it won't cost them a first down if they get caught?

 

[bagger]

college rules is decidely better than the pros for pi. automatic 1st and 15 yards is plenty.

40 or 50 yard penalties are absurd and overly onerous on close calls to the defense.

 

[bagger]

not buying it.....sorry....these refs are the best in the world and they put in a ton of time into what they do.....

they're not even full time...

 

[Stinkin Ref]

not buying it.....sorry....these refs are the best in the world and they put in a ton of time into what they do.....

they're not even full time...

so....?

 

[Stinkin Ref]

college rules is decidely better than the pros for pi. automatic 1st and 15 yards is plenty.

40 or 50 yard penalties are absurd and overly onerous on close calls to the defense.

I guess I may be on an island.....but I see nothing wrong with spot of foul......if you interfere with a guy that could potentially make a reception for 60 yards why should you only be penalized 15.....that rule actually encourages you to commit the infraction....the NFL rule is much better....punishment fits the crime....

 

[Stinkin Ref]

defenses already get the benefit of the doubt on holding calls....if they "hold" (before ball in air) 30 yards down field often preventing the offensive player from getting to where he wants to be....they only a 5 yard penalty.....

getting beat and then wiping out a dude 60 yards down field before he catches it should cost you a little more than 15 yards.....

 

[ShamrockPride]

defenses already get the benefit of the doubt on holding calls....if they "hold" (before ball in air) 30 yards down field often preventing the offensive player from getting to where he wants to be....they only a 5 yard penalty.....

getting beat and then wiping out a dude 60 yards down field before he catches it should cost you a little more than 15 yards.....

Chalk this dude up as the first guy I've EVER heard say defense gets the benefit of the doubt. That entire notion is laughable, sorry.Everyone entitled to their opinion of course...

 

[Stinkin Ref]

I wouldn't mind seeing PI penalties changed, but I'd also like to see defensive holding no longer be an automatic first down. It's ridiculous when a team with 3rd and 24 throws incomplete, and then gets the first on a ticky-tack holding call.

if it's 3rd and 24 the defense should not need to be in a position to where there is even a chance this could be called.....they know the rules...at 3rd and 24 you can play "good enough" defense not to give up 24 freakin yards without needing to grab somebody....

bottom line...there is a reason it is an automatic first down....the theory is there is no way to tell how many yards the offense would have/could have gotten had there not been holding......if they make it to where it is not an automatic first down you will see a ton of holding calls, and I have a feeling people would start #####ing about it back the other way....

I don't buy it. Take away the AFD and the offense still gets five yards and a replay of the down. Do you see teams deliberately jumping offsides in order to get a bead on the QB, knowing it won't cost them a first down if they get caught?

offense goes from potentially having a big play and converting to only getting 5 yards and having to execute another play to convert.....I don't know a whole lot about most things.....but I do know that the people in charge of this multi billion dollar business think these rules and the appilication are the most "fair" to the game.....I don't think we want to be at a spot at the professional level where getting a penalty becomes a good thing in some situations....

 

[Stinkin Ref]

defenses already get the benefit of the doubt on holding calls....if they "hold" (before ball in air) 30 yards down field often preventing the offensive player from getting to where he wants to be....they only a 5 yard penalty.....

getting beat and then wiping out a dude 60 yards down field before he catches it should cost you a little more than 15 yards.....

Chalk this dude up as the first guy I've EVER heard say defense gets the benefit of the doubt. That entire notion is laughable, sorry.Everyone entitled to their opinion of course...

oh don't get me wrong...I think it is almost impossible to play DB anymore......but on this particular play we are discussing (defensive holding downfield)....my point is that you could be holding 30 yards downfield, ultimately preventing the successful completion of a 30 yard pass play...yet it only cost you 5 yards.....I used "benefit of the doubt" when describing it, you can use whatever language you want to describe it....but the defender is only costing his team 5 yards when the play could have gone for much more than that had he not made the infraction....

 

[Stinkin Ref]

why you don't only have 15 yards for PI.......

say you are losing and at your own 5 with 25 seconds left......you throw a deep pass to the opponents 40 yard line....defense commits an obvious PI to prevent offense from catching it.....well under the 15 yard rule now you only get the ball at your 20....instead of at the opponents 40.....but on top of that, you have also ran probably at least 12 or so seconds off the clock since it was such a long pass.....(see where I'm going with this?)....so it is to your benefit to just keep doing this for awhile since it's only costing you 15 yards a pop....eventually the clock will run out....now I know the game cannot end on a defensive penalty, but you have really stacked the deck against the offense here.....got time for maybe one more long play and thats it....no FG range, no hail mary range, etc....now you are just "knocking it down" somewhere instead of in your end zone, fg range for the other team, etc....

 

[johnadams]

I'm fine with the penalties they way they are now. I have a problem with the enforcement. Watching the SEA/SF game this weekend was miserable. The refs could have thrown a flag on nearly every pass play against both SEA or SF. And we'll be seeing a lot more of this next year as more teams make an effort to mimic the success SEA has had. To me, this looks like what happened with the Knicks in the early to mid 90's where they were able to slowly push back the bar on fouls to the point that the rest of the NBA took notice and copied, making a brutal brand of basketball to watch. I didn't blame the Knicks then as they were doing what they could just as I don't blame SEA now (nor SF or CAR or any of the other teams doing something similar now). The PI has just become arbritrary in many ways and I suspect that we'll see a change in enforcement in 2014 as the casual fan doesn't like the grind it out defensive struggles and the NFL holds the casual fan in the highest esteem.