NFL Rule Changes for 2021

[AlwaysSunnyinIndy]

There were a lot of comments during the preseason games about this year's point of emphasis - taunting.

However, there are a few rule changes this year as well. You can read more at the below website - I have summarized a few of them below:

https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules...s-of-emphasis/

-- Expanded prohibition against blocks below the waist

Blocks below the waist during a scrimmage down, prior to a change of possession, are prohibited by players from either team, unless the contact occurs within the tight end box. The tight end box is defined as the area two yards outside of the normal tackle position and extends five yards on either side of the line of scrimmage.

-- Second forward passes: Modifies penalty to add a loss of down

Beginning in the 2021 season, a second forward pass thrown from behind the line of scrimmage, or a forward pass thrown after the ball returns behind the line of scrimmage, will now result in a loss of down and a five yard penalty from the previous spot. Additionally, if the foul occurs in the end zone, it will result in a safety.

-- Expanded consultation of replay review

The replay official and designated members of the officiating department can now communicate to the referee on certain objective and administrative aspects of the game.

-- A maximum of nine players in the “setup zone” on a free-kick formation - trial for one year

After the league made changes to the rules for onside kicks a few years ago for player safety, the recovery rates have been declining. Last season, only 3 onside kicks were successful. The league is tweaking the rules again on a trial basis for one year.

All receiving team players must be inbounds and behind their restraining line, and at least eight, but no more than nine, players must be positioned between their restraining and a spot 15 yards behind their setup zone.