Getting Familiar with the New Rules

Hi Ladies- So I didn't make it in time to get this posted before last night's game but better late than never. So there are some new rules to be aware of as you watch the games this season.

• Defensive Helmet Radios: One defensive player can have a radio in his helmet to communicate with the coordinator.
• Incidental Facemasks: This 5-yard penalty has been eliminated because it was too difficult to call. Either there is obvious twisting, turning or pulling resulting in a 15-yard penalty, or there isn't.
• Forceout Rule: This rule has been eliminated. The receiver must have both feet touch the ground before going out of bounds in order for the play to be ruled as a catch.
• Reviewable Plays: Field goals, extra point attempts and illegal forward handoffs are now reviewable.
• Second Half Coin Toss: Teams can now defer the opportunity to kick or receive the kickoff to the second half if they'd like.
• Muffed Snap: Previously ruled a false start, a direct snap from the center to a player that goes untouched is now a live ball and can be recovered by either team.

Personally, I think these are all great additions and will allow the game to move along more smoothly, fairly and competively.

For more opinions about the new rules, check out these articles:

New NFL rules for 2008 NFL Rule Changes for 2008: Summary of the NFL Football Changes that Passed and Failed This Year New NFL rules geared to defense New rules will have impact on league