[molarmite]

• A recommendation to eliminate force-out decisions on pass completions near the sidelines. Now, officials will only have to decide whether a receiver landed inbounds or not. The intended result is more consistency.


Stupid change, now defensive backs can just push the receiver out of bounds while he's in the air and it won't be a catch. Technially, although this probably wouldn't happen unless the receiver is tiny, if he catches the ball 5 yards inbounds, someone could pick him up or catch up in the air and take him out of bounds before he gets two feet down.

• The "Phil Dawson field goal rule." Now, certain field goals can be reviewed by instant replay, including kicks that bounce off the uprights. Under the previous system, no field goals could be reviewed.

Good rule.

• Deferring the opening coin toss. This is similar to the college rule. Previously, the winner of the coin toss could only choose to receive or to kick off.

Not exactly sure what this means, does someone want to explain it more?

• A direct snap from center that goes backward will now be treated as a fumble. Previously, it was ruled a false start.

Also confused on this one, all snaps go backwards and once its snapped the play is started so its a fumble.

• Eliminating the 5-yard face mask penalty. Now, only the serious face mask will be called (and will be assessed as a 15-yard penalty). The major foul will involve twisting or grabbing the face mask.

Another good rule although I'm sure we'll be seeing for 15 yard facemasks now.