The NFL continues to make some changes to their rules after already banning the hip-drop tackle as the league has approved a change in the challenge system. Previously, the rule in order to get a third challenge for a game is getting each of the first two correct during a game. However, the new rule that has been approved is if a coach gets one of the two challenges during a game correct, they will be awarded a third challenge.
This rule change by the league has more of a favorable response compared to the hip-drop tackle as this is giving less unilateral power to the referees during a game. With the ability to “burn” a challenge with only needing one of the two to be correct to receive a third, it will be interesting to see if coaches become more trigger-happy throwing the red flag on the field if they have gotten the first one correct.
Coaches seemingly looked like they were hesitant of using their challenge flag earlier in the game since they would need to be correct twice in order to receive a third. Now having the capability to be wrong on the first attempt and still having potentially two more challenge flags at their disposal could make them more likely to throw it.
The penalty for an incorrect challenge is still a loss of a timeout but there is less on the line for these teams looking to get a call changed.
Will this new rule change how we see NFL Challenge Flags thrown next season?
The NFL is going to look a little different as we should theoretically see more challenge flags thrown with coaches knowing the first one does not have to be guaranteed correct. With coaches more hesitant to get replay involved due to the inability to challenge later in the game, this could be a strategy shift.
Andy Reid is one of the best coaches at throwing the challenge flag. Will his strategy change now that he is still has the potential to get two more challenges even if the first one is deemed unsuccessful? Expect to see more challenges earlier in games.
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