2020 Rule Changes
Future clouded for pass interference replay rule
Don’t expect the pass interference replay rule to survive as is for the 2020 season.
49ers called for pass interference (Kansas City Chiefs)
Don’t expect the pass interference (PI) replay rule to survive as is for the 2020 season. And, it remains unclear if any sort of PI replay will be on the books this fall.
ESPN reports that members of the NFL Competition Committee “remain skeptical” about the one-year experimental rule.Â
Last year, aggrieved coaches strong-armed the PI replay rule onto the books. The result was a clunky, frustrating rule that didn’t work as the authors envisioned.
While the Competition Committee isn’t pleased with the PI replay results, the committee isn’t ready to entirely scrap the rule. The committee is open to modifying the rule for the 2020 season.
But, the problem remains — how can instant replay turn a judgement call into black and white call? The answer is simple — it is impossible.Â
I think that most teams will want some type PI instant replay rule on the books to correct obvious errors; but there will never be a rule that will make pass interference a 100% objective call.
