NFL defines illegal hits, will discuss potential rules changes [View All]

[Auggie]

Associated Press / 3-12-11

The NFL will be more aggressive in suspending players next season for illegal hits, and also could make changes to instant replay and kickoffs.

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Rules defining a defenseless player will be expanded and now will include eight categories:

• A quarterback in the act of throwing;

• A receiver trying to catch a pass;

• A runner already in the grasp of tacklers and having his forward progress stopped;

• A player fielding a punt or a kickoff;

• A kicker or punter during the kick;

• A quarterback at any time after change of possession;

• A receiver who receives a blind-side block;

• A player already on the ground.

COMPLETE STORY: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=6223700

Also... At next week's owners meetings in New Orleans the competition committee will propose moving kickoffs to the 35-yard line and bringing touchbacks out to the 25 as well as changes to replay challenges -- all scoring plays would be reviewable without a coach needing to challenge, for example.