With the offseason in full swing, the league's front office is addressing a number of issues that plagued the 2017 NFL season. Among the topics at the forefront was the proposal to change the pass interference penalty to 15 yards.
However, it does not seem to gaining as much steam as defensive backs around the league were hoping for. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, New York Giants team owner John Mara does not think there will be any changes to the rule:
“I don't think anything will happen on that,” Mara said. “I happen to be in the minority. I prefer the 15-yard penalty, but most people prefer [the current rule].”
As of right now, the league currently places penalties for pass interference at the spot of the foul. However, these particular rulings have been muddied by offenses getting bailed out with calls that can dramatically shift their field position. As a result, there were some that insisted that the league revert to the college ruling where it only results in a 15-yard penalty. Unfortunately, it seems Mara is admittedly on the losing side of this debate.
Mara's comments should hardly come as any surprise. The writing may have been on the wall after the NFL's Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent pointed out some flaws in the new proposal. Vincent –who was also a former five-time Pro Bowl cornerback in his playing days– says the league's elite defensive backs will be able to take advantage of the college rules. That said, it seems they will need to continue to walk on eggshells on passes over 20 yards.
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