Passive interference now controllable by officials

PHOENIX – NFL owners have approved a massive philosophical extension of its replay analysis system, under pressure from coaches and fans indignant over a call interfering with a missed pass in the NFC championship game.

For one year only, offensive interferences – both offensive and defensive – will be subject to control, with the first penalties and judging decisions to be added to the list of approved revisions. In addition, coaches will be able to challenge non-calling interference. The replay booth, in conjunction with the League Officials Office in New York, will launch these challenges in the final two minutes of each half.

Meanwhile, homeowners issued two votes expected earlier on Tuesday. They made permanent the 2018 changes to the kickoff rule, which had been made to the test for one year. They also voted to eliminate all blindside blocks, not just those on the head or neck, to increase balloon and other game safety.

The owners also approved a proposal that gives teams the choice of when to apply a personal foul or unsportsmanlike conduct after a scoring goal. The distance can now be marked either on the extra point or on the sending stroke.

In further voting on the rules, the NFL introduced a proposal, originally tabled by the Kansas City Chiefs, to guarantee each team possession in overtime. The league also beat the Denver Broncos proposal to give teams a unique fourth-quarter option to have a fourth and fifteen in their 35-yard line instead of a free kick.