2012 NFL Rule Changes Get Passing Grade - jmik58's Blog

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2012 NFL Rule Changes Get Passing Grade Stuck

Posted on June 19, 2012 at 11:13 AM.

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The recent off-season for the NFL has been a frustrating one for the league thanks to the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal and the ongoing concussion litigation led by many former players.

If the list of rule changes for the new season is an indication of the controversial issues of the last year -- it's safe to say the NFL had an uneventful 2011 edition on the field in comparison.

The 2012 NFL season looks to be a familiar one in terms of rules and areas of emphasis. The few changes look to do a variety of things such as protect defenseless players, correct timing issues associated with penalties, expand on booth replay, adjust the confusing overtime rules, and also accommodate one of the game's newest stars.

Here is a look at the more noticeable changes for the 2012 NFL season and some thoughts on how it might impact the game on the field.

Turnovers Now Reviewed in the Booth

You should be familiar with the way all scoring plays were automatically reviewed by the booth in the 2011 season. Add turnovers to the list for 2012. This will take the pressure out of the hands of coaches and put an emphasis on correct calls for something as important as a change of possession.

Rule Change Grade: A

Overtime Rules Now Reflect Post-Season Format

I never understood the point behind improving overtime rules only for the post-season. Aren't the regular season games just as important? Either way, all NFL overtime games have the new expanded rule which states the team with the opening possession cannot end the game with a field goal on that first drive. This still means that a touchdown on the opening possession ends the game; something I've never liked. I'm a fan of the equal-opportunity format that the NCAA employs, but this change is still a significant improvement.

Rule Change Grade: B-

Illegal Kicking is Now a Loss-of-Down Penalty

This one is self-explanatory. The penalty for illegal kicking was already of the ten-yard variety. Now, tack on a loss-of-down and maybe this rarely-seen act of non-athleticism will become even more scarce. I'm indifferent to this rule change considering I don't see it as a major issue. Also, the act of illegal kicking is usually a panicked play with the only positive outcome being the prevention of a turnover on a fumbled ball.

Rule Change Grade: C

Twelve Men on the Field is Now a Dead-Ball Foul

Here is the rule change based on a slightly controversial issue from the 2011 season -- more specifically the Super Bowl. Towards the end of Super Bowl XLVI, the New York Giants were whistled for such a penalty. The unintended side-effect saw the New England Patriots lose valuable time as a result of the sequence of events. Now, when the defense is caught with twelve men on the field the whistle will blow and a dead-ball foul will be called. I don't see a lot of teams looking to commit penalties in order to exploit a rule, but I commend the NFL for nipping any potential for such abuse in the bud.

Rule Change Grade: C+

Roman Numerals are Allowed on Uniforms

Call it the RG3 Rule. Or should I say, "Robert Griffin III" Rule. The business savvy NFL knows that stars sell -- especially their jerseys. Players can also include Jr. and Sr. designations as well on their uniforms. This is one I'm surprised I never noticed before. It's yet to be seen which current players may take advantage of this rule change. Players such as Mark Ingram, Jr. would be prime candidates. Get out your Sharpie marker or get ready to buy a new jersey.

Rule Change Grade: B

Crack-Back Blocks May be Penalized as Hits on Defenseless Players

This one is perhaps the most controversial of all the changes for the 2012 NFL season. The league has taken a strong stand on player safety and continues to make changes to prevent future injuries. They also haven't shied away from sending a statement to support their case considering the impending legal issues involving concussions. I'll hold out much of an opinion on this one until I see it enforced. I believe there are instances when a crack-back block can cross the line, but I fear officials may take this out of context.

Rule Change Grade: B-

How do you feel about the rule changes for the 2012 NFL season?

Justin Mikels is a staff writer for Operation Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @long_snapper.

Comments

# 1 Jadakiss88 @ Jun 19

Wow Crack Back's are now possible penalties...that sucks. A crack back (if done correctly) can change a play from a 5 yard gain to a touchdown. They are really trying to turn football into 7 on 7. I know the Running Back position is almost dead but getting rid of crack backs would make the game so much slower and less exciting.

# 2 kc10785 @ Jun 19

Crack backs illegal now really???????? What happen to keeping your head on the swivel so you won't get crack back? The woman's lingerie league play harder then the NFL

# 3 heyYOHOEwantsme @ Jun 19

crack backs for smaller dudes on big dude is just amazing, That takes so much excitement out of returns, and reverses. My grade? C- at best..

# 4 nightcreeper @ Jun 19

i agree with both of you guys.. you are taught to keep your head on a swivel out there on the field! these rules are getting sicker every year smh

# 5 fsufan4423 @ Jun 19

Hines Ward made a name for himself for being a tough and physical blocking receiver! Good thing he retired. These rules may deprive us of another Ward.

# 6 Jakeboutte @ Jun 19

What about when the LB busts the QB who is runnin down field to "block" for the RBI?

# 7 qetuonz @ Jun 19

I dont like the booth review of all turnovers. I like the fact that coaches have to gamble on whether or not they trust the player who coughed up the ball. There is not much left for the coaches to challenge now. They'll be throwing the red flag for spot of the ball and other ticky-tack calls.

# 8 King Gro23 @ Jun 19

I feel like they make these rules too much from a spectator perspective. In my opinion there is no such thing as a defenseless man if he is inside the "white lines". I most certainly think NFL players are fully aware what happens inside those white lines during a play. How can you be defenseless. When I run across the middle I know there is a slight possibility in my head that a young man is planning to lay the wood so I expect impact, if there is none I'll continue playing as normal. If I'm running around in pursuit I am fully going to be aware 1 or 11 players are going to try and block me.. Crackback maybe so I might Im not defenseless, they are allowing players who aren't ready for the gridiron get ready with these sissy rules. The NFL is a MANS GAME> Everybody knows your life/career, pends on every down you partake in. So who is helpless the player or the spectator who didn't a young man was gonna get rocked?