The NFL’s offseason has reached the point where it is necessary to revisit league rules, policies and procedures and give each of the teams an opportunity to present their case for making changes for the betterment of all. Among the teams this year to propose a formal rule change? The Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are one of four teams this offseason to offer recommendations for rule changes — and the Dolphins seem to have a reasonable chance of getting their suggested rule amendment passed, too.
NFL considering expanding the 2020 Officiating crews from 9 to 11 by adding a Booth Umpire and Technology Advisor. 7 on-field, 4 upstairs. pic.twitter.com/N3KVHowniy
— John Parry (@JohnParryESPN) March 10, 2020
Miami is advocating for a removal of the “Bill Belichick loophole”, a method used by the Patriots earlier this season to help bleed the game clock by deliberately taking delay of game penalties and keep a continuously running clock without plays being ran. Poetically, the Tennessee Titans used the same loophole in their victory over the New England Patriots in the AFC’s Wild Card round this past winter, too. Here’s what coach Bill Belichick had to say about the rule when he first implemented it against the New York Jets.
Bill Belichick says he was just trying to “run a bit of time off the clock” late in the 4th quarter against the Jets when the camera cut to him smirking.
“It’s probably a loophole that’ll be closed and probably should be closed, but right now it’s open.” pic.twitter.com/S6mpX6Xb4L
— Guy Boston Sports (@GuyBostonSports) October 22, 2019
Belichick was less dismissal of the loophole during the final moments of their Wild Card round loss to Tennessee — although we can’t imagine why.
Either way, the Dolphins are looking to put an end to the gamesmanship by giving the defense the chance to dictate whether or not they’d like to green light the running clock after an opposing team’s penalty in the final moments of the game. For now, we’ll wait to see if Miami can pick up an informal win this offseason by successfully prompting some change throughout the league.
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