On Monday at the NFL’s league meetings in Orlando, the competition committee voted to change to challenge rules based on a proposal submitted by the Detroit Lions. The Lions suggested that teams should receive a third challenge if at least one of their two challenges was successful earlier in the game.
Before the rule change, a team could only receive a third challenge if both of their previous challenges were successful. A successful third challenge, however, would not result in a team earning a fourth challenge.
Before the votes on new proposals, the Indianapolis Colts withdrew their proposal to allow a coach or replay official to challenge any foul that has been called.
NFL approves hip-drop tackle ban
The NFL has reportedly made the final decision on the controversial hip-drop tackle. Despite the NFLPA giving the proposal to ban the tackling technique a resounding, “no,” the league is moving forward with a ban, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Per Rapoport, the committee was unanimous in its decision.
By enacting the competition committee’s proposal, a hip-drop tackle penalty will result in a loss of 15 yards and an automatic first down for the opposing team. Here is the NFL Competition Committee’s proposed amendment to Rule 12, Section 2 of the NFL rule book:
“Article 18. Hip-drop tackle. It is a foul if a player uses the following technique to bring a runner to the ground:
(a) grabs the runner with both hands or wraps the runner with both arms; and
(b) unweights himself by swiveling and dropping his hips and/or lower body, landing on and trapping the runner’s leg(s) at or below the knee.”