I take a look at the NFL rule changes that were approved today and how they could affect the Baltimore Ravens
Finally some NFL news to fill our timelines. At this dry point in the offseason, us NFL fans can take any kind of news we can get. Today the NFL and it’s owners passed a number of rules for the upcoming season. How could these rules affect the Baltimore Ravens? Let’s take a look:
Overtime Rule
The @NFL has passed a rule change moving overtime from 15 minutes to 10 minutes, per league official. Expected but important.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2017
This is a very interesting rule change. There were complaints last season about the number of ties and lowering overtime by five minutes won’t seem to help that. I understand the importance of trying to cut down game times, so we will see where this one goes. This rule change could definitely affect the Baltimore Ravens, in a good or bad way. If there is anything the Ravens like to do, it’s play in close games.
Having said that, they usually do not play in a ton of overtime games, but it’s definitely something to look out for. It can create a sense of urgency on both sides of the ball. Having a tie could be the difference between making or missing the playoffs. Ask the Washington Redskins about that last season.
Injured Reserve Rule
Owners passed resolution to allow two players to come off IR in-season, which was the expectation. Current rule allows one.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 23, 2017
With all the injuries the Ravens have dealt with the past two seasons, this is a rule change that could work in their favor. They can now bring back two players off of injured reserve, compared to just one before. If there is a major injury to a key player, having the possibility of bringing them back during the season is a major advantage. It could also affect which players they place on injured reserve, depending on the timing. With depth issues at some positions, the Ravens are going to need to avoid as many injuries as possible this season.
Roster Cut Rule
The @NFL has done away with the 75-man cutdown, instituting a resolution the #Redskins have argued for for years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 23, 2017
In my opinion, this might be the best rule change that was approved. Before teams would have to make a roster cutdown from 90-75 in the middle of the preseason. Now they do not have to do this. Players fighting for a spot on the roster will have more time to showcase their talent in all of the preseason games, rather than just one or two. It also gives teams more time to look at these players. This could significantly help the Baltimore Ravens. They have a history of finding undrafted free agent gems. They could rely on some to fill some of the holes on the roster this season. Having an increased time to scout and evaluate these players is a major advantage.
Celebrations Rule
Roger Goodell is expected to tell NFL owners group celebrations, using ball as prop after TDs, going to ground, snow angels are now allowed.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 23, 2017
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To be honest, this rule change shouldn’t affect the Ravens much at all. The only real celebration we got from the Ravens last season was the Mannequin challenge on a Thursday night game against the Browns. And don’t get me wrong, it was great. They are not known for being a wild celebration team after they score touchdowns. However, it’s nice to see that Roger Goodell is finally starting to put some fun back into the league. I am a big fan of the creative celebrations that players put together. If a big man like Brandon Williams gets in the endzone this season, I expect to see something good.