The new USFL’s rules are either a great idea or insane. The USFL is a spring football league that opens next month. To set themselves apart from the NFL they have their own unique set of rules. Some I think are a great idea and others might be crazy. Football is America’s favorite sport so they’ll definitely get viewers and their rule set might help them or they’ll fizzle out like the XFL.
Probably the most insane idea of the league’s departures from normal is a third option for a conversion after a touchdown. You can try a 33-yard kick for one point, run a play from the 2-yard line for two, or try a scrimmage play from the 10-yard line for three points. This option can be a great idea in late game situations, you could turn a two score game into an 18 point lead rather quickly. Coaches will have to game plan for that, it’s going to be interesting to see.
The NFL’s overtime rules have been questioned for years where many people have called for a rule change. In the USFL the OT rules are similar to the NHL. Each team will take turns from the 2 yard line. A successful score is worth two points, and each team will have have three attempts. At the end of those three attempts of the game will continue until there’s a winner. Personally I’m most excited to see this implemented.
The next rule I think was take out of Chip Kelly’s brain. You can throw two forward passes behind the line of scrimmage. This could work but think about it makes my brain hurt. This rule is out of backyard football playbook.
There’s also a second option to onside kicks. Basically the kicking team can run a 4 and 12 from their own 33 yard line. If they convert they get the ball. If you think about when was the last time a successful onside kick happen in the NFL. Also the USFL will borrow from CFB or college football late half situations. They will stop the clock for 1st downs within the last 2 minutes of each half.
In the USFL each team will get one replay challenge. College rules apply to cases of defensive pass interference. Within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage it’s a spot foul. Beyond 15 yards the penalty is 15 yards. However if the pass doesn’t cross the line of scrimmage, there are no PI penalties, or ineligible player downfield penalties.
Finally the kickoff rules, all kickoffs from the 25-yard line. No kicking team member can line up further back than one yard. Receiving team must have eight players between the 35 and 45-yard lines. If the kick travels 20 yards, the first touch must be by the receiving team. If there’s an untouched dead ball, the receiving team gets the ball at that spot.
The USFL has set themselves apart from the NFL. Personally I’m looking forward to seeing the rules implemented and the affect they’ll have on the game. My favorite change is the Overtime rule a change is necessary I wish the NFL would look into it. My biggest question is do the new rules make USFL watchable or will it be a clown show like the XFL.
