Colts, Manning upset by new rule
Part of the beauty of the Colts’ offence is their no-huddle technique. Their ability to quickly line up to the line of scrimmage and for Peyton Manning to instantly dissect defences has made them the offensive powerhouse they are today. However a new rule issued by the NFL may affect their game plan.
In Indianapolis’ pre-season game against the Green Bay Packers Manning was twice called for an illegal snap. The reason for these calls was that now players must wait for the umpire to get into position; that position is now well behind the quarterback. Traditionally umpires would be lined in the middle of the defence.
The reason for the league changing that position to behind the last offensive player has to do with safety, but it has affected the flow of the game. Umpires must run up to the line of scrimmage, spot the ball and then run back to their position. Manning is not pleased about the new rule.
"The one [illegal snap] on me I thought was ridiculous. Down there by the goal line when you're snapping the ball to keep them from potentially getting a replay," Manning said after the game. "Also, they're unsettled. To throw a five-yard penalty is absolutely ridiculous in my opinion. So I think that's one thing that will be re-evaluated - at least a do-over of some sort, or a warning, but a five-yard penalty, that's ridiculous."
The rule is still a work in progress and the league will look at making adjustments before the regular season begins. Safety was the reason for the change but if the flow of the game will slow down, there are other measures the league should take. Maybe an extra man should be in charge of spotting the ball while the umpire stays in his position at all times. Another reason for the change was that now umpires can spot holding and other offensive penalties a lot better.
Still this rule needs some adjustments. Players should not be slowed down because the referees are not in position yet. The NFL will look into this and adopt some new measures. If the rule continues to be applied like it was in Green Bay, Indy’s fast-paced offence may be affected and would take away a special talent the unit has.
"Let me put it this way, I do think it's being evaluated," Coach Jim Caldwell said. "It didn't work well for us last night on a couple of occasions, and so we hope in the evaluation process they'll find some middle ground and give us an opportunity to use our offence like we've done for a number of years."
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