The law of the land

The votes are in, and here are the rule changes for 2008! A change in the playoff format is out. A new dot is in. Coin toss takes on a hip new image. It's now actually a force out rule. If you are going to grab my face, you had better make it worth it.

A proposal to change the playoff format so that home field advantage is determined by record was shot down faster than Dick Cheyney's hunting partner. The owner's didn't even vote on the proposal, because it didn't have enough support. Giants co-owner John Mara said , "I was surprised at how little support there was," said Mara, who had championed the idea. "Clearly, opponents of that rule had done their lobbying behind the scenes and were very effective." The Seahawks organization has done their job, and they can rest easy out in the NFC West.

Like the Seattle Seahawks, people who have a fear of, "Dead Air" can rest easy. There's a new dot in town. If you watched a football game (especially on Fox) last season there was no escape from the, "Green Dot." In 2008 a designated defensive player will have a communication device in his helmet too. To avoid confusion, I suggest they use a pink dot to designate this player.

The Another rule change that is going to take place next season is the right to defer. If a teams wins the coin toss, they can defer until the second half. Defer??? Don't you get the same result by choosing to kick, instead of receive? Not going to lie, I'm a little perplexed by this one.

Speaking of receiving, the, "Force Out" rule finally lives up to the title. Receivers must get both feet down in bounds, unless they are forced out of bounds physically by another player. I think that this is a great rule change. To all of the receivers out there, I suggest you invest in some ballet lessons.

Last of the rule changes for 2008 is the elimination of the 5-yard incidental contact with the facemask. It's a 15 yard penalty if there is any, "twisting, grabbing or illegal use". They are going to put more emphasis on offensive players using the facemask to avoid tackles as well. I was never a fan of the incidental contact calls. It's a physical game, and players shouldn't have to shy away from contact, because they might accidentally make contact with the facemask.

So that's it for the rule changes. Overall I think that they are positive changes, and will make for better football. Except that coin toss one... Hope that this helps you get through your Thursday.

In other Football news:
-L.J. Smith signs his one year tender with the Eagles. He's getting a 4.5 million dollar salary for 2008. If he is able to stay healthy and return to form. Lock him up!
-Chris Henry surrenders to police on charges of punching an 18 year old kid in the face, and breaking his car windshield with a beer bottle. Chris, I hope that you have Pacman's phone number on speed dial. Perhaps, he can offer you some suggestion on what do you with yourself while you sit out 16 games..... The Birds can waive goodbye to the possibility of trading for Chad Johnson.
-Roy Williams wants to play in Dallas.... It has to be the Jumbotron that has every player in the NFL wanting to play in Dallas. Off the record...... That stadium is going to be bad ass!