Shifting Approaches in NFL Rule Proposals
For many years, the Competition Committee has been the main source of potential changes to NFL rules. Recently, a noticeable change in this strategy appears to be taking place.
This shift may have been occurring for some time, but recent events provide clear examples of it.
For instance, the Lions’ initiative to modify the playoff seeding for the seven teams in each conference, disregarding division championships, wasn’t merely an idea generated during an internal brainstorming session. The proposal originated from NFL headquarters at 345 Park Avenue.
As outlined by Jeremy Reisman of PrideOfDetroit.com, as the decisive regular-season matchup between the 14-2 Vikings and 14-2 Lions drew near, Detroit receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown highlighted the unfairness of the losing team having to travel to face a division champion with a worse record.
St. Brown remarked, “It’s crazy. I think the rule should be changed. Winning the division should guarantee a playoff spot, but forcing a 14-win team on the road feels unreasonable.”
While St. Brown doesn’t decide the rules, his words could influence change.
As his comments gained traction, NFL executive Troy Vincent noted the reaction. Rather than adding the issue to the Competition Committee’s usual agenda, he directly contacted Lions president Rod Wood proposing collaboration on a formal suggestion.
Wood recounted, “Troy Vincent from the league reached out to me and agreed with St. Brown’s view. He asked if we could work together on a proposal, and we did.” This proposal, however, was submitted solely as a Lions initiative and not as a joint effort with the league. Although broader discussions about altering playoff formats are scheduled for later, the proposal has refocused attention on the issue.
