To a large extent, having replay available has been a blessing to get calls on the field correct.
However, it has also been a catch-22 of sorts, as replay can show fans a call that was wrong on the field but the current rulebook states that there's nothing officials can do about it in certain instances so play marches on.
Well that's being addressed, at least in small part, according to Tom Pelissero.
Pelissero shares that NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay told him that the replay assistant will now be permitted to correct certain types of calls.
Among those calls are incorrect calls on the field regarding roughing the passer and intentional grounding.
Why just plays like that?
Well McKay shares those types of plays are purely objective. Did the defender make contact with the quarterbacks helmet? Was the quarterback outside of the tackle box when he threw the ball away?
Those are the types of plays that could be easily corrected with access to better angles that the replay cameras provide.
If anything, this seems like it could be at least a small step toward allowing replay assistants to have a larger influence directed at getting the calls right and working in tandem, collaboratively with the on-field officials in the future.
Here's to hoping that works out, and this expands to a few additional areas over the next few years.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.