So the NFL is back. Channel 212 will be locked in on my DirecTV for the next couple weeks as the preseason is underway. We are almost through the first week and it's time to snitch about what I am already NOT liking about our post-lockout NFL: 1. Kickoff Now Being From The 35-yard Line. One of the most exciting plays in the sport are being taken out. I know, I know....it's about safety and special teams is where many injuries happen. But kickoff returns will become less and less of a factor now. 2. Reviews After Scores. First impression for me? I see the Tampa/Chiefs game last night and there was a play where the Buccaneers scored a safety on a play that was then deemed un-reviewable because the call on the field was a "judgement call". So they first say all scoring plays will be reviews but then a safety isn't reviewed for whatever reason? 3. Penalties, Penalties, Penalties. I saw more laundry thrown this week than my dry cleaner, and the week's not over. This is going to be a painful preseason for fans to sit through as the sloppy play was all over the place in the games I've seen. At this rate teams might not get in a real rhythm until they've buried themselves a hole in the standings. Who should be the big winner thanks to the NFL lockout obliterating OTA's, mini-camps and training camp, not to mention all these no-pad practices? NFL Films. Their next follies movie should have some great content these next few weeks. Too bad NFL Network has pretty much sucked the life out of the guys in Jersey. Am I an ungrateful fan for complaining about the sport after the players and owners struck a deal to give us football back? Hell no. I am a consumer who can voice my opinion and I expect the best from the NFL. Who knows? Maybe some solutions that make sense to some of the issues can come from some back and forth debate. So what are you NOT looking forward to in this post-lockout NFL?
Hate the kickoff rule. Didn't see the review (or lack there of) on the safety. The Steelers/Redskins game actually didn't have many penalties at all thank god. Not sure why though, because I know we're being targeted.
Kickoffs. One thing I was thinking of...and the Eagles game made me think of it... Here's the scenario. 4th quarter, tie game. Titans have used both challenges and 3:30 remains. Titans driving down to the ten and Johnson apparently fumbles. Looks like maybe the ground caused it, maybe not. Woodley picks it up and runs 90 yards untouched for the TD...however, instead of going in for the TD, he steps out at the one. Steelers ball at the one with no review...
Not really. I'm currently too stoked that there is a season and that my birds are making noise.....but as usual...if I develop gripes you know I will post em :-D
I was chatting on AIM during the Bucs game last night with a former member here who had a particular disdain for a former Chiefs coach and we couldn't figure out why that safety wasn't reviewed either. Looked like the QB actually fumbled the ball and Chiefs OL recovered it. :dontknow: Is the NFL still just "experimenting" with an 8th Ref on the field for the pre-season? It's not going continue to the regular season is it?
Longer games because of the penalties. Let's say you want to watch a game at 4, but you are watching a game that started at 1. Because of all the penalties, the early game may not be over at 4.
I am sure the competition committee will change the kickoff rule after this year. It takes away from the game IMO to have an 85% touch back rate. It is part of the excitement to have an explosive kickoff returner. Devin Hester anyone???
The NFL doesn't care what the masses think. They know they'll watch it no matter what they do to the game.
The only thing I don't like is the kick off rule. We wont be able to see many returns this year. it seems everything is a touch back. but I don't mind all the flags thrown. IN the end im just happy they are back on the field playin
I think that the whole penalties things will iron themselves out. It's the first week of the preseason and the officials are just as rusty as some of the players. It's not like they have their friends over in the backyard and do illegal formations and offside's and stuff to practice throwing the flag. That image however makes me chuckle. As for the kick offs. It pretty much makes Devin Hester just a Punt Return guy now. It's going to send him DEEP time and time again and not be able to take it out. I'm not sad at all as I hate that guy! And I might be the ONLY one that likes the replay after each score. I would like to see it simply be an instantaneous booth replay though so it doesn't stop the game at all. This is how it is correct? I honestly have NO idea what the rule is.
Just heard them say the NFL is expecting 60% of kickoffs to be returned, with that number trending downward in the years to come.
