Rule that killed Vikings in Philly could be changing

Justin Jefferson's late first half fumble was a game changer in a 34-28 loss to Philadelphia

Author:
Jonathan Harrison
Publish date:
Dec 13, 2023 6:44 PM EST

One of the worst rules in football could be changing.

Troy Vincent, the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, told reporters Wednesday the league will look into the current rules regarding fumbles out of the end zone.

Currently if a player fumbles and the ball goes out of bounds after entering the end zone the result of the play is a touchback, awarding the defense the ball at the 20-yard line. If the ball is fumbled and goes out of bound at the one-yard line the offense keeps the ball. Why is there such a wildly different outcome with one yard of difference?

The Vikings were victims of this rule earlier this season. Justin Jefferson reached for the end zone and lost control of the ball, with the ball entering the end zone then going out of bounds. The result turned a potential late first-half touchdown into an Eagles touchback. Philadelphia turned what could have been a 14-10 deficit at the half into a 13-7 lead at the half after driving and converting a 61-yard field goal.

Minnesota ended up losing 34-28, never overcoming multiple turnovers, though Jefferson's may have been the most costly.

Just because the league is looking at the rule does not necessarily mean it will change. The rule has been looked at in the past with the league refusing to change it.