An emergency quarterback and No. 0 jerseys: NFL committee set to consider proposals for 2023
An emergency quarterback, No. 0 jerseys and wild cards seeded higher than division champions: NFL competition committee ready to evaluate team proposals for 2023 season
The NFL will consider several proposed changes, including the introduction of new jersey numbers and an alternative to the onside kick and playoff qualification.
NFC champions Philadelphia suggested both modifications, including a 4th-and-20 from the kicking team’s own 20-yard line, instead of an onside kick.
This option is now available to XFL teams, allowing them to retain possession after a touchdown, for at least one more play.
The Eagles also submitted a proposal to allow players to wear the numbers 0 and 00, not seen in the league since 1981.
Most players aside from the offensive lineman were allowed to switch to numbers between 1 and 49 in 2021 after a proposal from the Kansas City Chiefs passed.
NFL players like Matt Judon were able to switch to numbers between 1 and 49 in the 2021 season
If the LAC proposal were accepted, Dallas would have been No. 4 ahead of the Bucs.
Philadelphia’s projected change would also allow kickers and kickers to wear a number between 0-49 and 90-99. Currently, they can only use 1-19.
Overall, nine rule change proposals have been submitted for consideration by the NFL’s competition committee.
The Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions (three times), Houston Texans, LA Rams and New York Jets were the other organizations that made proposals.
Interestingly, the Lions and Chargers also submitted charter proposals. The NFC North franchise wants clubs to have the ability to have an “emergency third quarterback” enter the game from the inactive list or practice squad if the first two quarterbacks are ruled out with injury.
LA would like to see wild card teams seeded higher than the division champions if the latter has a record below .500, and/or if the wild card franchise has four or more wins than the division winner with the losing record.
Other notable desired changes include a permanent third challenge and personal fouls that will be considered reviewable via a coach challenge.
Devin Lloyd, now of the Jacksonville Jaguars, wore number 0 while playing at the University of Utah
The NFL can follow in the XFL’s footsteps and allow a 4th and 20 from the kicking team’s own 20-yard line after a touchdown, instead of attempting the very low probability onside kick.