Elimination of the Force Out Rule

Just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on something I've noticed while watching preseason football this year...

As most everyone on this site probably knows, this past offseason the NFL competition committee chose to eliminate the "Force Out" rule whereby a receiver can not get both feet in bounds but still have a catch ruled a catch if it is determined that he would have landed in bounds with control had the defense not intervened. (that was really convoluted, but you know what I mean...)

So far in the preseason I have noticed every defense making a concerted effort to push WR's out of bounds before they can get both feet in. I think this is going to have a huge impact on Offensive strategy this year. Offenses are going to have to limit the amount of sideline patterns run by receivers or come up with some sort of adjustment to keep defenders from forcing offensive player's out. Whether it's keeping the ball low on outside routes, simply throwing to the inside shoulder or some other method, I'm really looking forward to seeing how offensive coordinators adjust.

It's possible this rule will result in more pass interference penalties. If DBs become accustomed to push a receiver near the sideline, it might be hard for them to wait until the ball gets there.

As for OCs, I think they'll work on getting the ball in lower, so the receiver can make the catch with his feet on the ground.

i don't like it. Its easier on the refs but i don't care, their job is supposed to be hard. Can a DB catch a player and carry him out of bounds? That would be dumb. BUt we will see some big hits on the sideline this year. I can't wait to see landry rock a mofo out of bounds.

I've definitely noticed DBs trying to shove guys out near the sidelines. I'm on the fence with the new rule. The way it was before it was too subjective and the refs blow enough calls as it is.

Terrible rule!! If the refs did not want pressure why sign up for one of the most difficult jobs in the world?? No matter what, your call will piss someone off somewhere. I really think it could really kill a few games. Give it one year and they will change it back.

I do like removing the ambiguity from any rule wherever possible, so I am in favor of this change. I think this is going to take a little pressure off of the DBs so I can see this helping us. Like someone else said, watching Landry take advantage of the new rule is going to be pretty sweet.

i hated this rule change (rule-removal, whatever) from the start. the league should have just allowed the force outs, when called, to be reviewable (which they should have been in the first place).

OR, alternatively, the rule should have been changed to allow one foot in-bounds to constitute a catch.

i FULLY expect this change, as it currently stands, to be re-visited next off-season.

I like this rule. If you catch the ball out of bounds, it should be called out of bounds no matter what. Football is a contact sport, forcing someone out of bounds should count as being out of bounds. It also doesn't let the refs screw up even more calls in the game. And the first time Landry hits somebody out of bounds before their feet touch, everyone will love this rule.

I love this rule change. The offense constantly gets more and more favorable rules. Finally they threw the defense a bone.

And the first time Landry hits somebody out of bounds before their feet touch, everyone will love this rule.

yeah, and then when santana gets forced out of the end zone, you'll hate it.

as i said above, force outs simply need to be reviewable.