Tuck Rule (and Other Stupid Rules) Finally Getting Ditched?

It has been a long time coming, but it appears as if the NFL is going to finally do away with that stupid tuck rule. The competition committee is going to meet soon and there are five rules along with the Tuck Rule that could be/should be done away with.



This one is just plain dumb, and it is shocking that it has actually made it on the books this long. A fumble is a fumble, is a fumble--and the play above where the rule originated was a fumble.

The ref, Walt Coleman, tried to say that Brady's arm was moving forward when he lost the ball. Since it came out in a motion similar to passing it was a fumble. Where his logic failed was that Brady was not throwing the ball, but was trying to 'tuck' it into his body when he lost it.

Sound like a text book fumble? Yeah, I thought so too. At least the NFL is fixing this rule now; better late then never.

Among the other five rules being reviewed is the one involving coaches and replays. Currently coaches are penalized 15 yards and denied a review if they throw the flag on a play that is already going to be reviewed (they called it delay of game I believe; could be wrong though...).

The perfect example of the need for change came in the Houston/Detroit game when Houston running back Justin Forsett was tackled after a decent run, but got up and ran into the end zone. It was called a touchdown even though it clearly wasn't so Detroit coach Jim Schwartz threw the red flag.

Since it was an automatic review the Lions were penalized, the Texans scored a touchdown, and the Lions lost by three (34-31).

Other rules expected to change:

• Referees will be able to review incomplete passes through the recovery and the fumble.
• long snapper will be considered a defenseless player
• no hitting with the top of your helmet (running backs) when outside of the tackle box
• no low blocks inside the tackle box if moving toward own goal lines; no going low on peel-back blocks
• tight ends will get to wear 40-49.

[Deadspin]