Rule Change Reposition of REF

[DaveThePanther2008]

I haven't seen much comment on this but I do believe it will have a huge impact for teams like NE and NO. I know most teams use it but some use it much more often than others.

That is the referee is now going to be behind the QB instead of in area of the Linebackers.

The pick play which is a staple of New England and New Orleans diet will no longer be a tool for them. Especially NE. I think teams that use the pick play will be easier to defend this year than in the past.

I am curious to what the Huddle thinks.

Do you think it won't have a bearing or do you agree with me.

Go Panthers

[faultlessjoint]

I haven't seen much comment on this but I do believe it will have a huge impact for teams like NE and NO. I know most teams use it but some use it much more often than others.

That is the referee is now going to be behind the QB instead of in area of the Linebackers.

The pick play which is a staple of New England and New Orleans diet will no longer be a tool for them. Especially NE. I think teams that use the pick play will be easier to defend this year than in the past.

I am curious to what the Huddle thinks.

Do you think it won't have a bearing or do you agree with me.

Go Panthers

Are you saying these teams won't be able to use pick plays because they were using the umpire as the pick? And now that he's not standing there they won't be able to? While I can see that happening it think it would be hard to say that they used ref picks that often because it's too hard to dictate where he might move to.

However, I think this opens the door for a lot more illegal TE and WR picks because now the umpire is not standing right there to see it.

[DaveThePanther2008]

Many teams use the referee as a pick. Not too hard to adjust your route to use him. The QB sees where he is prior to the play. Though the refs try to stay out of the way many still used it. I would say most teams did. Teams like NO and NE were far more successful using than others.

I think with the ref being moved we will see teams like NO and NE having a tougher time than in the past.

Just my opinion.

Go Panthers

[cookinbrak]

They're just moving them around. The ref that was in the backfield will take the umpires place.

• The umpire will be stationed behind the offensive backfield rather than in the linebackers area.

[panthers55]

The ref moving to behind the line won't significantly impact pick plays. It will keep the refs froming getting hit so much and will give them a very different position from which to observe the play. It is likely to cause more offensive holding calls to be called and there may be less passer interference called as it won't be right in front of the ref. It will impact the game somewhat until they get used to it, but I don't think pick plays will be or were a major issue.

[DaveThePanther2008]

The umpire will be stationed behind the offensive backfield rather than in the linebackers area.

I believe it will have a bearing on some teams. The pick plays was used many times against us in the NE game last year. Welker probably got half his yards that way.

We will see.

Go Panthers

[thefuzz]

Many slot guys used the ref's this way, but they will find other ways to exploit the middle of the field.

[panthers55]

I believe it will have a bearing on some teams. The pick plays was used many times against us in the NE game last year. Welker probably got half his yards that way.

We will see.

Go Panthers

I think you are overexaggerating to support your initial premise. All players use the ref or what ever obstacle they can find but it isn't something that actually impacts plays that much and wasn't the reason the rule was changed. It was simply for referee safety.

[Wither]

Are you saying these teams won't be able to use pick plays because they were using the umpire as the pick? And now that he's not standing there they won't be able to? While I can see that happening it think it would be hard to say that they used ref picks that often because it's too hard to dictate where he might move to.

However, I think this opens the door for a lot more illegal TE and WR picks because now the umpire is not standing right there to see it.

The umpire is not really responsible for watching the TE/WR's. Obviously it happens, but that is more on the other referees. The umpire generally watches the line.

[FelineFANatic]

They're just moving them around. The ref that was in the backfield will take the umpires place.

Wrong, both the Referee and Umpire will be behind the offensive line of scrimmage.

[Snake]

I think holding calls will go up because of this. Also late hits on qbs.

[Wither]

I think holding calls will go up because of this. Also late hits on qbs.

Holding calls, yes. Late hits? I don't think so. That is primarily the responsibility of the "main" referee anyway.