Keep up with the latest NFL rule book changes for the 2023 season with this comprehensive guide. From new roughing-the-passer rules to changes in ground rules, we’ve got you covered.
NFL Rule Book
In 2023, the NFL will be implementing a few rule changes. Some of these changes are small and insignificant, while others could have a significant impact on the game. Here are 10 of the most notable changes that will be taking place in the NFL next season:
- 1. The “Roughing the Passer” rule will be changed.
- 2. The “Defenseless Player” rule will be changed.
- 3. The “Unnecessary Roughness” rule will be changed.
- 4. The “Horse Collar” rule will be changed.
- 5. The “Blindside Block” rule will be changed.
- 6. The “Tuck Rule” will be changed.
- 7. The “Instant Replay” rule will be changed.
- 8. The “Overtime” rule will be changed.
- 9. The “Kickoff” rule will be changed.
- 10. The “Pregame Coin Toss” rule will be changed.
Roughing the Passer
Under the new NFL rule book, a defensive player will not be penalized for roughing the passer if they make contact with the quarterback’s throwing arm. This change is being made in an effort to protect quarterbacks from being hit in the arm while they are in the act of throwing the ball.
Defenseless Player
The “defenseless player” rule will be expanded to include players who are in the process of catching a pass. This change is being made in order to protect players from being hit in the head or neck area while they are in a vulnerable position.
Unnecessary Roughness
The “unnecessary roughness” rule will be expanded to include any hit on a player that is deemed to be “excessive or gratuitous.” This change is being made in order to protect players from being unnecessarily hit after the play is over.
Horse Collar
The “horse collar” rule will be expanded to include any tackle that is made by grabbing the back of the jersey and/or pads. This change is being made in order to protect players from being pulled down from behind and injured.
Blindside Block
The “blindside block” rule will be expanded to include any block made when the blocker cannot see the defender. This NFL rule Book change is being made in order to protect players from being blindsided and/or injured.
Tuck Rule
The “tuck rule” will be changed so that a quarterback will be ruled down if they lose control of the ball when they are in the act of tucking it back into their body. This change is being made in order to eliminate confusion and/or ambiguity on this particular rule.
Instant Replay
The “instant replay” rule will be changed so that all plays will be reviewed by the officiating crew before being ruled on. This change is being made in order to ensure that all plays are officiated correctly.
Overtime
The “overtime” rule will be changed so that each team will be given the opportunity to possess the ball at least once in overtime. This NFL rule Book change is being made in order to ensure that each team has a fair chance to win the game.
Kickoff
The “kickoff” rule will be changed so that the ball will be placed at the 25-yard line instead of the 20-yard line. This change is being made in order to increase the number of touchbacks and/or encourage more teams to attempt onside kicks.
Pregame Coin Toss
The “pregame coin toss” rule will be changed so that the team that wins the coin toss will have the option to defer to the second half. This change is being made in order to give the team that wins the coin toss an advantage. To learn more about NFL games navigate here
Conclusion:
These are just some of the NFL rule book changes that will be taking place in the NFL next season. Some of these changes are small and insignificant, while others could have a large impact on the game. What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments below!
