Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz leaves the field after a game against Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Red-flag rule will be revised. (Jim Schwartz rule)

A play that would have been automatically reviewed by instant replay will still be reviewed even if a coach throws his challenge flag. Any coach who challenges a play that he’s not permitted to challenge would be charged a timeout, and wouldn’t get his timeout back even if he wins the challenge, or would lose 15 yards if his team is out of timeouts. But the play itself will still be reviewed. Call this the Jim Schwartz Rule. The league will also consider reviewing incomplete passes that are ruled a fumble all the way through the fumble — if a play is ruled on the field to be incomplete and overturned on replay as a fumble, the replay can consider everything that happens after that fumble.

Instant replay: Ruling of incomplete pass would be reviewable through fumble.

Long-snapper on extra point and field goal would be a “defensless player” in an effort to avoid more potential injuries along the line.

On field goals and extra points, restrictions are added to what rush teams can do. No more than six defensive players would be permitted to align on either side of the snapper, defensive players can’t push their teammates across the line, and the long snapper is considered a defenseless player.

Jan 20, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Patriots 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

“Tuck Rule” would be eliminated. Arm moving forward + loss of possession = incomplete pass. Ball being brought back to the body + loss of possession = fumble.

No forcible blows with helmet outside of the tackle box.

Initiating contact with the crown of the helmet is a foul if the runner or tackler delivers a forceable blow against his opponent when both players are outside the tackle box.

Tight ends can wear the number 40-49.

You only have to retain a player claimed via waivers for one day. (old rule was two)

Final cut-down date may be adjusted to accomodate potential Wednesday season-opener.

Thigh and knee pads would be mandatory.

Jan 6, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) scrambles during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

League office will be more aggressive and proactive regarding field maintenance. (FedEx Field rule)

Fields must be maintained up to NFL standards, and the league can require clubs to maintain their fields up to the league’s high standards, at the club’s expense.

The final of these rules and bylaws is a result of Robert Griffin III shredding his knee on national television during the Redskins Wild Card matchup versus Seattle. These proposed regulations and rules will be voted on next week for confirmation.

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Known as one of the nicest guys in the league, Redskins linebacker London Fletcher was flagged for an unnecessary hit on QB Tom Brady. When the replays were shown, it was clear that Fletcher’s forearm hit the chest of a slow sliding Brady. The Redskins star linebacker then went on a rampage, getting in the face of the officiating crew, a rare antic by Fletcher. That play moved the Patriots farther into Redskins territory and was capped by a touchdown that ended up being crucial in the loss. After the game, coach Mike Shanahan was asked about the play, and called it a “horrible” penalty. You could also hear the loud boos from the FedEx field fans as replays poured over the stadium. After the flag went flying, a play by play announcer for the game said “He (Fletcher) better calm down or he’ll be heading for the showers early.” The only possible explanation for a fine on Fletcher, which is not expected, would be verbal abuse on an official.

Officials may not notice, but plays like these cost teams games, and sometimes playoff hopes. And it turns out Fletcher wasn’t the only one who disagreed. as Tom Brady was quoted saying it was a clean hit. It seems as if the entire world even disagreed with the call, because Twitter does not lie. So what do you think? Was it clean? Was it on the line? Or, are these officials just ruining the game?

New England: The Patriots will continue their brutal pass game, and Brady has the chance to put up big numbers. The Redskins secondary is weak at this point of the season, and the receivers will look to expose that. The Pats run game
will be slowed down by an improving front 7 on the ‘Skins defense. Another key will be punt returns for the fast return guys. If the Patriots want to win this game, they will need to attack the Redskins where they are weak: on defense.

Washington: If there is anyway they Redskins want to win this game or even come close, they must take advantage of the Pats mediocre defense. As you may notice in a few of the Patriots games, they have given up a lot of yards and points. And as strange as it may seem, Rex Grossman is the #1 QB to start for fantasy football this week. But now that tight end Fred Davis and left tackle Trent Williams are suspended the rest of the season, the offense is running low. Rookie Roy Helu mustv also have a big game, and get in the end zone. The offense looks to have the easier task, while the defense will take on fast receivers.
“Alpha male” DeAngelo Hall must step up and take on the quicker Wes Welker, and try to shut him down.

Final Predictions: The Redskins will start out strong, but Tom Brady will prove to be too much for the defense. Patriots 31, Redskins 21