Facemask Penalties Could Be Reviewed With Replay Assistance

There have been quite a few facemask penalties that have not been called this season. Leaving many fans wondering how the officials didn’t see players helmets being twisted unnaturally. The subject came up at the NFL’s December League Meeting. And it was suggested that facemask penalties could be reviewed with replay assistance. Currently facemask penalties are not subject for review. Just this past Monday Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow had his facemask grabbed by a Dallas defender. No penalty was called but it was clear to see his head was twisted to the side. Sadly there have been many other examples of uncalled facemask penalties this season.

NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent told reporters on Wednesday during the December League Meeting that facemask penalties could be subject to replay assistance next season. Vincent went on to say that that the position of refs and the speed of the game can make officiating facemask calls difficult in real time on the playing field, which is why an assist from New York could be beneficial. He stated:

“Concerning yes, because that’s a big miss — that’s a big foul,” Vincent said. “We would like to consider — or for the membership to consider — putting that foul category that we can see, putting that on the field to help because there is a frustration. We believe that is one category that we can potentially get right.”

Traditionally, the NFL did not allow subjective plays to be reviewable. The NFL has never allowed replay to determine there was a penalty when one was not called on the field. Facemask penalties subjected to replay assistance would change that precedent.

Facemask Penalties Could Be Reviewed With Replay Assistance

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters that replay assistance was discussed in detail during Wednesday’s meetings. He didn’t elaborate further on the matter, but said:

“We’re looking to expand that,” Goodell said. “We’re going to go to the committee with ways that we can do that. Fouls that may not be within their authority today, we hope they’ll be in their authority by next season.”

Vincent also mentioned other plays that could be considered for replay assist. Including hits on a defenseless player, tripping, the fair catch, an illegal batted ball, an illegal double-team block, illegal formations on kickoffs and taunting. It seems to me that if replay assist is available why not use it? Of course, it could potentially slow down the game if everything becomes reviewable. No doubt there will be much discussion in the future.

Thoughts on Facemask Penalties Could Be Reviewed With Replay Assistance? Well let’s connect then you Feen! We are always around on social media posting as well as chatting away. And we would love to hear some POV from you. Therefore, join the discussion and talk all things Sports Feen; athletics as well as breaking industry news related with us by dropping a comment or two. Get into our comment section on YT; or also hit us up on our TikTok page or tweet us @SportsFeen.