NFL players have a new number they can wear on their jerseys, but roughing the passer penalties could remain controversial during the 2023 season.
During theAnnual League Meeting in Phoenix on Tuesday, the NFL approved players’ use of the number zero, while declining a suggestion to make roughing the passer penalties reviewable by replay.
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Here’s a breakdown of some of the rules that were approved or not during theleague meetings:
Roughing the passer will not be reviewable
One NFL rule intended to keep quarterbacks safer but has come under intense scrutiny will not be altered.
NFL owners decided against making roughing the passer penalties reviewed by replay. The suggestion was made by the Los Angeles Rams.
As it stands, referees remain with discretion to call the penalty which issues a 15-yard penalty to opposing defenses.
Roughing the passer has faced scrutiny from players and teams on the receiving ends of the penalty, as well as fans and media who disagree with the initial penalty after replay.
NFL Network reported in late February: The competition committee examined 80 plays with roughing the passer, and found only three that were questionable.
What jersey numbers can NFL players wear?
All players - except offensive and defensive lineman - can wear the No. 0 moving forward. The suggestion was made by the Philadelphia Eagles.
And it appears Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley will wear No. 0 in his first season with the team.
Here are the NFL rules regarding player jersey numbers by each position:
- Quarterbacks: 0-19
- Punters and placekickers: 0-49 and 90-99.
- Defensive backs: 10-49.
- Running backs, fullbacks, tight ends, H-backs, and wide receivers: 10-49 and 80-89.
- Offensive linemen: 50-79.
- Defensive linemen: 50-79 and 90-99.
- Linebackers: 10-59 and 90-99.
Did NFL approve fourth and 20 to replace onside kicks?
NFL owners discussed the Eagles’ suggestion to create a fourth-and-20 scenario to replace onside kicks. But a resolution was not reached.
The owners did not vote against the suggestion, but further discussion is needed on the scenario, according to NFL Network.
What rule changes were approved by the NFL?
Here’s a number of suggestions that were approved:
► To make the adjustment of the play clock following an Instant Replay reversal consistent with other timing rules, suggested by the Los Angeles Chargers.
► To expand the Replay Official's jurisdiction to allow for review on failed fourth down attempts, suggested by the Houston Texans.
► To change the definition of a launch to leaving one or both feet.
► To make the penalty for tripping a personal foul.
► To make the penalty for illegally handing the ball forward consistent with other illegal acts, such as illegal forward passes.
► To make the penalty for illegal punts, drop kicks, or placekicks consistent with other illegal acts, like illegal forward passes.
► To prevent the offense from benefitting by an extension of the half as a result of their foul.
► To clarify use of the helmet against an opponent by removing the “butt, ram, spear” language from Article 8, and incorporating those actions into Impermissible Use of the Helmet.
