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Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on July 8, 2009 3:10 PM
The UFL is largely using ex-NFL coaches and ex-NFL players to build their new league.
One way the new league will differentiate is product is by deviating from some of the NFL's rules. Unlike the ill-conceived XFL, most of the ideas aren't stunts or gimmicks. Let's take a peek.
1. The biggest difference will come with overtime rules. Both teams will be allowed to possess the football, with true sudden death starting after one possession each.
In an offensive era, it's hard to argue with that one. It will create a number of new strategy decisions. (Will teams be more likely to play for a touchdown?)
2. The "Tuck Rule" has been buried, like the Oakland Raiders' 2001 championship hopes in the Foxborough snow. (Failing to convert a third-and-one didn't help, but that's another story.)
While the Tuck Rule isn't used that often, the UFL listed it's elimination first in their press release. It's a fun way to needle the NFL because most fans and players fundamentally disagree with the rule.
3. Instant Replay rulings will come from a replay official rather than the on-field referee.
4. A fumble into or out of the end zone will revert to the spot of the fumble when not recovered in the end zone. (That will only encourage DeSean Jackson to do this again.)
[Editor's note: Dennis Green, the Chair of the UFL's Competition Committee, was once burned by the NFL's version of the rule, which gives possession to the opposing team at its own 20, during an epic, back-and-forth 1996 regular-season game against the Packers. The Vikings eventually won the game.]
5. A quarterback can legally ground the ball inside or outside of the pocket when under duress. This could make the league more attractive and less dangerous for quarterbacks . . . like a certain former Falcon who might be barred from the NFL this season.
6. The cherry on the rule-changing Sundae: "Tasteful individual and/or group celebrations are permitted ONLY in end zone and bench area." (It' the "boys just wanna have fun" rule.)
[Editor's note: There's no word on whether the UFL will allow in-game Tweeting. If they allow it, maybe they'll entice Chad Ochocinco to make the leap. And maybe that's a reason not to allow it.]
The UFL also promises increased access for fans through required wired-for-sound coaches and quarterbacks. Fans will only hear quarterback communication on a tape-delayed basis.
Overall, the rule changes aren't revolutionary. But maybe that's the point.
The UFL has tweaked some of the NFL's most unpopular rules, without changing the game.
The UFL is largely using ex-NFL coaches and ex-NFL players to build their new league.
One way the new league will differentiate is product is by deviating from some of the NFL's rules. Unlike the ill-conceived XFL, most of the ideas aren't stunts or gimmicks. Let's take a peek.
1. The biggest difference will come with overtime rules. Both teams will be allowed to possess the football, with true sudden death starting after one possession each.
In an offensive era, it's hard to argue with that one. It will create a number of new strategy decisions. (Will teams be more likely to play for a touchdown?)
2. The "Tuck Rule" has been buried, like the Oakland Raiders' 2001 championship hopes in the Foxborough snow. (Failing to convert a third-and-one didn't help, but that's another story.)
While the Tuck Rule isn't used that often, the UFL listed it's elimination first in their press release. It's a fun way to needle the NFL because most fans and players fundamentally disagree with the rule.
3. Instant Replay rulings will come from a replay official rather than the on-field referee.
4. A fumble into or out of the end zone will revert to the spot of the fumble when not recovered in the end zone. (That will only encourage DeSean Jackson to do this again.)
[Editor's note: Dennis Green, the Chair of the UFL's Competition Committee, was once burned by the NFL's version of the rule, which gives possession to the opposing team at its own 20, during an epic, back-and-forth 1996 regular-season game against the Packers. The Vikings eventually won the game.]
5. A quarterback can legally ground the ball inside or outside of the pocket when under duress. This could make the league more attractive and less dangerous for quarterbacks . . . like a certain former Falcon who might be barred from the NFL this season.
6. The cherry on the rule-changing Sundae: "Tasteful individual and/or group celebrations are permitted ONLY in end zone and bench area." (It' the "boys just wanna have fun" rule.)
[Editor's note: There's no word on whether the UFL will allow in-game Tweeting. If they allow it, maybe they'll entice Chad Ochocinco to make the leap. And maybe that's a reason not to allow it.]
The UFL also promises increased access for fans through required wired-for-sound coaches and quarterbacks. Fans will only hear quarterback communication on a tape-delayed basis.
Overall, the rule changes aren't revolutionary. But maybe that's the point.
The UFL has tweaked some of the NFL's most unpopular rules, without changing the game.
