NFL to make major rule change after loophole in Vikings-Bears clash left TV viewers completely confused
The NFL is contemplating a significant modification to the video replay regulations for the upcoming season.
It follows a call in Sunday’s Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears game that left fans absolutely perplexed.
At the beginning of the second half, Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison caught a pass from quarterback Sam Darnold.
He put Minnesota in the red zone by sprinting down the sidelines for a 68-yard play.
Matt Eberflus, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, contested the play because he thought Addison had over the line while heading down the sidelines.
However, a “boundary camera” angle verified that Addison stayed inside the lines.
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The call on the field remained in effect after Eberflus’ challenge failed.
On the broadcast, FoxNFL rules analyst Mike Pereira clarified that the camera angle was inapplicable in either case.
Pereira clarified that replay officials were not permitted to use the camera angle because not all stadiums in the league have it.
“If a coach is challenged, you cannot use the boundary cam,” he stated.
“There’s not boundary cams in every stadium so there’s a question of equity.”
However, Mike Florio of NBC claims that next season will bring some adjustments.
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According to Florio’s post on Pro Football Talk, the NFL expects all stadiums to have them by the end of the year.
This season, the use of the league-owned cameras—12 per venue—will not be extended to replay assistance and coach challenges in all stadiums. They will next year.
There are presently five venues in the league without the camera viewpoint.
When the technology was ready, fans at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, where the game was played on Sunday, couldn’t understand why the NFL wouldn’t use it.
“Why try to get a call right when you have the means to do so?” someone questioned.
Another person questioned, “Right but like… WHY aren’t they in every stadium?”
“NFL is a billion-dollar company with 10 cent excuses,” said a third.
Luckily for Minnesota, the call was right, and they narrowly defeated Chicago.
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The Vikings defeated their division foe 30-27, improving to 9-2.
However, the Bears’ incredible comeback on an onside field recovery and game-tying field goal sent them into overtime.
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