2022 NFL Rulebook adjustments to control

August 28, 2022

Because the native “man who cares manner, waaaaaaay an excessive amount of concerning the guidelines,” I really feel it’s my obligation to get followers of the Buffalo Payments ready for the ever-evolving guidelines of the NFL. I’ve described the e-book as “encyclopedic” and “voluminous” in nature. Put all of it collectively and it may be robust to maintain all the things straight. For the file, I don’t even have all of it memorized—often checking and double-checking the textual content for articles. Let’s try what’ll be new for the 2022 season.


Final season, I divided the rule adjustments into precise adjustments within the textual content of the principles and “factors of emphasis”—that are extra akin to adjustments in how enforcement is carried out. Taunting was final season’s level of emphasis, for context. There are solely two rule adjustments this yr and fairly easy factors of clarification (which is the brand new identify for factors of emphasis).

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Rule Adjustments

The primary one isn’t even a change. In 2021 the NFL wished to attempt a change to the kickoff formation. This was adopted as a everlasting change this season. There’s no level retyping so right here’s my rationalization from a yr in the past:

For kickoff formations, throughout a free kick issues are getting fairly proscribed. The league created what’s known as the “setup zone” for the receiving crew. This zone begins ten yards away from the place the ball is teed, and 25 yards away for a 15-yard zone. The league used to require at the very least eight gamers right here, with no most quantity set. Now the utmost is ready at 9 gamers on this zone.

The second rule change would possibly find yourself being known as the “Josh Allen Rule.” Although to be correct, it was proposed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts. This rule adjustments postseason time beyond regulation guidelines and (principally) ensures each groups will obtain the ball for at the very least one possession.

At its coronary heart, that is fairly easy. The crew with first possession in time beyond regulation not can win immediately with a landing. If that crew scores, the opponent will get a possession. Whoever has the upper rating after each groups have the ball is the winner (this features a defensive landing off turnover). If the sport remains to be tied, it goes to sudden dying.

There’s nonetheless one solution to win proper out of the gate although. The crew that kicks off to start time beyond regulation can finish the sport by recording a security.

Brief and candy this yr. Let me know if there are any lingering questions/considerations within the feedback.

Factors of Clarification

The present winds are indicating that unlawful contact and roughing the passer are this yr’s factors of clarification. Now I do know what you’re considering. You’re considering; “Nice, simply what we’d like. Far more flags.” You’re solely half proper.

The NFL felt there was a large drop in unlawful contact flags final season. Officers have reportedly been requested to maneuver their eyes quicker from the purpose of contact to the quarterback to name this one accurately. Will this imply they go up? It’s very properly potential.

Nevertheless unlawful contact, holding, and defensive cross interference have lots of overlap in terms of the principles. It’s potential this might result in a straight up enhance in penalties. It is also a case of shifting flags. Particularly, we would see extra unlawful contact, however much less of the opposite two as officers shift their consideration in a different way.

With regards to roughing, the Competitors Committee apparently felt that they wanted to remind the officiating groups that contact to the top/neck space or beneath the knees have to be “forcible” and that some flags final season didn’t meet that standards. This SHOULD result in a discount, however we’ll must see.

ESPN has extra information, together with some good numbers to try for these so inclined.