As is the case every offseason, the NFL and its competition committee met to review proposed new rule changes for the upcoming season.
This year, there were several items on the docket that aim to improve the on-field product and meet the needs and requests of coaches and players alike.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay previously expressed he was looking forward to being part of the competition committee after they asked him to join. McVay and the rest of the group got the chance to vote on several new proposals which will go into effect starting in the 2024 season.
The biggest one circulating the news cycle is the adoption of a hybrid kickoff format that debuted in the XFL, via NFL Football Operations:
The hybrid kickoff rule change proposal has been approved by @NFL clubs for the 2024 season. 👇 pic.twitter.com/DggRekG3mo
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) March 26, 2024
Additionally, the committee also voted to remove the hip drop tackle that made the rounds last season after several players suffered serious injuries via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network:
The full language of the approved rule proposal 👇🏼 pic.twitter.com/iBP9O5RpQz
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 25, 2024
Lastly, the committee also voted to give coaches a third challenge if they win one of their first two challenges, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team:
New rule change: The NFL has approved giving a team a third challenge if they get one of their first two correct. It used to be that you must get both correct to earn a third challenge, but now getting 1 out of 2 correct grants you an additional challenge. pic.twitter.com/WET7Oa9Q7a
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 25, 2024
The new kickoff format is the most interesting out of the rule changes as it will be the most significant change of on-field play in years. However, the removal of the hip drop tackle has already come under fire as this will force defenders to be even more careful when making routine tackles. The penalty for a hip drop tackle will be 15 yards and an automatic first down for the offense.
Changes can always be made at next year’s league meeting, but it’ll be interesting to see how the new rule changes look once the 2024 season begins.
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