Eagles propose 2 intriguing rule changes to NFL Competition Committee

The Philadelphia Eagles have proposed two new rule changes to the NFL Competition Committee ahead of the annual owners meetings in March.

Rule change number one has been discussed in prior years but has yet to gain enough votes to be implemented. Per ESPN’s Diana Russini, the Eagles have proposed a new rule that would allow teams to attempt a 4th-and-15 play to maintain possession when kicking off. They’ll need 24 out of 32 votes for the rule to pass.

This new wrinkle has reportedly gained some support in recent years and it’s currently being used in the XFL.

It feels like a drastic change, but the NFL has shown willingness to tweak the game when special teams are involved. From the new kickoff rule that prohibits players from getting a running start on the kickoff team, to changing the extra point distance, the NFL is always looking for ways to spruce up the gameday experience in these moments.

If the NFL is committed to making the game more exciting, implementing this rule is a no-brainer.

The onside kick success rate has plummeted in recent years; teams rarely even try it anymore. Plus, if a team wants to maintain possession of the football with the game on the line, why wouldn’t the NFL want said team’s quarterback on the field to make that play? Rather than the kicker and a bunch of backups scrambling for the football on an onside kick.

In the XFL: Instead of an onside kick, the trailing team can maintain possession with a 4th-and-15 play from its own 25-yard line.

It just worked for the St. Louis BattleHawks.

This was brought to NFL owners in the past but didn't get enough votes.pic.twitter.com/qNP5QukWMy
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 19, 2023

It almost makes too much sense. I think this one will pass.

The second rule change the Eagles have proposed is less integral to the game, but it would be a fun change nonetheless. According to The Athletic’s Kalyn Kahler, Philly wants players to have the choice to wear the number zero on their jerseys.

This is one of those rules where I just say, “why not.” They’ve already allowed non-skill players to wear single-digit numbers, why not add zero into the equation? Nearly every other professional league allows it. Time for the NFL to jump on board.