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PHOENIX (AP) – Roger Goodell understands.
NFL fans rarely feel that way. Right now, they should.
Many times, perhaps most of the time, the NFL commissioner meets the owners' expectations. This has sparked a lot of criticism from Goodell when the guys who run the 32 franchises deserve more bad reviews than him.
With regard to league investigations, the NFL has often failed – Ray Ray's bonuses, Kareem Hunt, Saints – that Goodell takes the arrows rather than the investigators to blame.
And yes, there are cases, particularly in discipline, in which Goodell is the right target.
So when the guy uses his power for the sake of the game, for the players, the coaches and, indeed, for the fans, you have to congratulate.
Two months after one of the most embarrassing moments of his regime – or that of any other commissioner – Goodell was pretty sure that the rules would be profoundly changed.
Do not underestimate the importance of adding pass interference, whether signaled or not, to the video refereeing system. Such appeals and non-appeals can now be challenged by coaches and reviewed by officials. It was adopted for a season, by the amazing margin of 31-1. He is almost certainly here to stay, and Goodell is a major reason.
"I told the owners we had to go to a place and I felt strongly that we should have OPI and DPI and that we should be able to throw flags (which were not thrown on the ground) Goodell said Tuesday. "Everyone finally understood through a long process and many discussions that everyone wanted to succeed. Some have had to withdraw from shared views for a long time.
One point of view shared by fans, especially those of the Big Easy, was that a blatant missed call in the NFC championship game cost a round trip to the Super Bowl at the New Orleans Saints. Their case was reinforced by this decision.
However, in a way, this is a bigger win for the Who Dats and for all professional football fans. The sport has become so fast, complex and open that officials have trouble keeping up.
Even worse, the technology is so advanced that real-time errors are exacerbated when viewed in the very slow close-ups offered to viewers.
The NFL needed a leap forward like this. In fact, it's more like a long touchdown pass from Drew Brees to Michael Thomas than an Alvin Kamara race for a first try. Both games move the ball, but TD's throw can instantly change the game.
Thanks to Goodell for legislating for improved video control rules. We also thank Saints coach Sean Payton, who helped advance the charge, not only because he was the prisoner with his head sidelined for the coup de grace, but also for catalyzing movement.
"There has been a lot of healthy talk about our game," said Payton, with Mike Tomlin of Pittsburgh, the only coaches of the powerful competition committee to recommend rule adjustments. "When you sit on this committee, there is a small responsibility that falls solely on football and football fans in general.
"At any time, I think that if we followed a process like this and with an open heart, we tried to do what is right and after many discussions, the owner, the league office, the coaches and the general managers felt really good. about, certainly the fans have won, knowing that, dude, these guys are working hard for the right decision. "
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