The NFL released the proposed playing rules and bylaw changes that were submitted by the teams for the upcoming season. The Detroit Lions are responsible for three of the proposed playing rules changes.
All three involve the coach’s challenge feature during games. It’s an area where the team has had some issues in recent years dating back to the infamous “Jim Schwartz Rule” where teams are not allowed to challenge plays that are automatically reviewed.
One proposal would allow coaches to challenge personal fouls called on the field. While the reason behind the Lions’ proposal isn’t stated, it’s easy to recall a couple of recent situations where Detroit was victimized by phantom personal foul calls.
The second would expand the replay official’s jurisdiction to allow for consultation on an assessed penalty. Both of those proposals deal with Rule 15, Section 3 of the rule book.
The third relates to Rule 15, Section 1 and would allow each team a third coach’s challenge during the game regardless of the outcome of the first two challenges.
Detroit also made one other proposal regarding the game status of a third quarterback, something the Lions have not typically carried on the active roster. From the press release,
By Detroit; amends Article XVII, Section 17.3, to allow a club to designate an emergency third quarterback from its Inactive List or Practice Squad who would be eligible to enter a game in the event the first two quarterbacks on the game day Active List are ruled “Out.”
The proposals will be voted on at the upcoming owner’s meetings later in March.
