NFL Replay Assist Expansion Expected to Include Quarterback Slides
Relief might potentially be on the way for those who believe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes receives too many favorable calls. NFL replay assist is expected to expand this offseason to include plays involving quarterback slides, according to league sources.
Implemented in 2021, replay assist allows replay officials to provide details on limited calls to on-field officials when there’s clear video evidence. Initially used for plays like spot of the ball, fouls, and pass completions, the NFL expanded replay assist in 2024 to include penalty flags for hits out of bounds, blows to the head of a quarterback, and elements of intentional grounding.
The need for expanding quarterback slide review was highlighted during the AFC divisional playoff game between the Chiefs and the Houston texans. Mahomes, after scrambling out of the pocket, slid beneath two lunging texan defenders and drew a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness.
ESPN analyst Troy Aikman expressed his disagreement with the call, saying, “You can’t, as a quarterback, run around and play games with the defenders and then get called for a penalty.”
Aikman believes the league needs to address this issue during the offseason, emphasizing the need for objectivity in calls fans can clearly see.
The expansion of replay assist is expected to be discussed by the NFL’s competition commitee, which typically votes on rules changes during the league’s annual meeting in late March.The consensus around the league is that adding further clarity to quarterback slide calls is crucial.
Texans star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr., penalized earlier in the game for roughing the passer, expressed frustration, stating the team felt like they were “playing against the refs.”
Mahomes, however, disagreed with the notion that the Chiefs receive preferential treatment from officials, stating, “At the end of the day, the referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and as proper as they possibly can.”
How did the Chiefs-Texans playoff game highlight the need for replay review of quarterback slides?
NFL replay Assist Expansion Expected to Include Quarterback Slides
Relief might potentially be on the way for those who believe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes receives too many favorable calls. NFL replay assist is expected to expand this offseason to include plays involving quarterback slides, according to league sources.
Implemented in 2021, replay assist allows replay officials to provide details on limited calls to on-field officials when there’s clear video evidence. Initially used for plays like spot of the ball, fouls, and pass completions, the NFL expanded replay assist in 2024 to include penalty flags for hits out of bounds, blows to the head of a quarterback, and elements of intentional grounding.
The need for expanding quarterback slide review was highlighted during the AFC divisional playoff game between the Chiefs and the Houston texans. Mahomes, after scrambling out of the pocket, slid beneath two lunging texan defenders and drew a 15-yard penalty for unneeded roughness.
ESPN analyst Troy Aikman expressed his disagreement with the call,saying,”You can’t,as a quarterback, run around and play games with the defenders and then get called for a penalty.”
Aikman believes the league needs to address this issue during the offseason, emphasizing the need for objectivity in calls fans can clearly see.
The expansion of replay assist is expected to be discussed by the NFL’s competition commitee, which typically votes on rules changes during the league’s annual meeting in late March.The consensus around the league is that adding further clarity to quarterback slide calls is crucial.
Texans star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr., penalized earlier in the game for roughing the passer, expressed frustration, stating the team felt like they were ”playing against the refs.”
Mahomes, however, disagreed with the notion that the Chiefs receive preferential treatment from officials, stating, “At the end of the day, the referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and as proper as they possibly can.”
Q&A: Quarterback Slide Calls and Replay Assist Expansion
Q: What is replay assist and how does it work?
A: Introduced in 2021, replay assist allows replay officials to provide on-field officials with more facts on certain calls when there’s clear video evidence. This can help avoid errors and ensure more accurate officiating.
Q: Why are quarterback slides being considered for replay review?
A: Recent controversial calls, like the one in the Chiefs-Texans playoff game, have highlighted inconsistency in officiating quarterback slides. Expanding replay assist would aim to bring clarity and fairness to these situations.
Q: when might these changes be implemented?
A: The NFL’s competition committee will discuss proposed rule changes, including the expansion of replay assist, at their annual meeting in late March. If approved, changes could be implemented for the upcoming season.
The debate surrounding quarterback slides demonstrates the ongoing evolution of rules in the NFL. As the game progresses, the league will continue to adapt and refine officiating to ensure fairness and consistency for both players and fans.
