DeclinetoState
10-08-2006, 08:05 PM
I can't recall a season where I saw so many teams run the no-huddle offense. Neither can the NFL, and now it has had to respond to the practice to assist defenses unable to make necessary substitutions -- which, consequently, left them at a competitive disadvantage.
Earlier this week the league's vice president of officiating, Mike Pereira, sent a memo to the NFL's 32 clubs notifying them that officials would start acting to prevent offenses from gaining competitive advantages by making last-second personnel changes.
In essence, offenses must now allow defenses sufficient time to make corresponding player substitutions.
Let me explain: I'm sure you've seen the no-huddle or hurry-up offense when the Colts play. Or New England. But last weekend, even San Diego resorted to the hurry-up strategy with last-minute subs, rushing to the line of scrimmage when quarterback Philip Rivers saw Baltimore starting to make a defensive change.CBS.com (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9709450)
More tinkering with the rules, or simply better enforcement of the existing ones?
Earlier this week the league's vice president of officiating, Mike Pereira, sent a memo to the NFL's 32 clubs notifying them that officials would start acting to prevent offenses from gaining competitive advantages by making last-second personnel changes.
In essence, offenses must now allow defenses sufficient time to make corresponding player substitutions.
Let me explain: I'm sure you've seen the no-huddle or hurry-up offense when the Colts play. Or New England. But last weekend, even San Diego resorted to the hurry-up strategy with last-minute subs, rushing to the line of scrimmage when quarterback Philip Rivers saw Baltimore starting to make a defensive change.CBS.com (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9709450)
More tinkering with the rules, or simply better enforcement of the existing ones?