There are a number of NFL rule changes that the league implemented to take effect in the 2013 NFL season. Most of the rules are changed to protect the players by adding new safety measures. Here is a look at the new rules that the NFL announced on July 28 for the upcoming season.
Running Back Rules
Many running backs have almost perfected the move of lowering their heads when defenders are coming and using the helmet as a weapon while driving for more yards. This is now illegal and warrants a 15-yard penalty.
This is one rule that has been ridiculed by some, although legendary running back Jim Brown said recently he approves of the rule. Brown said he used the stiff arm and his shoulder and doesn't feel a player needs to use his helmet.
However, Emmitt Smith has called the rule "absurd" and said it will result in running backs not being able to drive for more yards. He also said this will force runners to remain upright, which will cause more violent collisions, injuring more runners.
Kicking Rules
There has been drastic changes made in the kicking game over the years, including moving the kickoffs up, almost eliminating the return game. Now, more rules are in place to protect players on kicking plays.
The new NFL rule changes here include no defensive blocking below the waste and no stacking up one specific side of the line-of-scrimmage. Also, the long snapper is now considered a defenseless player and can't be touched until he is up and ready to block.
While not just for kicking plays, it is now also illegal for an offensive player to block below the waste, from the front or the side.
Tuck Rule
The biggest NFL rule changes involve the infamous "tuck rule," the play that allowed Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to beat the Oakland Raiders many years ago. At that time, the tuck rule called Brady's assumed fumble an incomplete pass. Now, once the quarterback starts to tuck the ball, it is no longer passing motion and will be called a fumble.
Challenges
Next up is the controversial challenge rules. As of last season, if a coach throws the challenge flag when a play will be automatically challenged, the officials would not review it. Now, the team who throws the flag will get charged a time out, but the play will be reviewed anyway so the bad call won't be held up due to a coaching challenge error.
Other NFL Rule Changes
Another rule change involves thigh pads and knee pads, which are now required for all players. If a player is not wearing the required pads, they will have to leave the game until they put them on.
The final rule change involves players taunting each other garnering a penalty, a new rule that will cause a lot of problems this season as the taunting will be up to the official and could possible include anything.
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