Everything from instant replay to kickoffs to the extra point could look a lot different in the NFL next season if the proposed changes can pass muster with the owners next week.
Members of the league’s competition committee briefed reporters Wednesday on the various proposals that will be put forth at the annual owners meetings that start Monday in Orlando, Fla. It was clear that replay and special teams will be in the crosshairs.
Also up for discussion will be the plan being pushed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to expand the playoff field by one team per conference starting in 2015, but the league said it is unsure if that will come up for a vote.
Decisions are expected, however, on a proposal to have referees consult with the NFL officiating department in New York on important replay matters, as well as a host of changes to special teams proposed by the Redskins and Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
Among those changes:
- Moving the kickoff to the 40-yard line (from where it currently is, the 35) in an apparent bid to increase touchbacks and cut down on injuries.
- Raising the goal posts by five feet from their current total height of 40 feet.
- Moving extra points back to the 25-yard line (from the current 2-yard line) in light of kickers combining to convert better than 99 percent of their attempts each of the past two seasons.
None of the changes proposed by New England and Washington are expected to pass, though, because they came from just two teams instead of the competition committee as a whole.
The change to the replay process has a much greater chance of passing because it has widespread support in the wake of several prominent blown calls in recent years.
“Eye-in-the-sky” review from the league office also has been a success in the NHL and is being adopted this season by Major League Baseball.
Meanwhile, the committee decided not to create a specific personal foul penalty for use of the N-word during games, as had been discussed. Officials have been told to emphasize it as part of the existing unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty, though.
A league spokesman also confirmed Indianapolis, New Orleans and the planned dome in Minneapolis are the three finalists for hosting the 2018 Super Bowl. A vote by the owners will be held in May to award the game.