Cowboys Reveal 'Death' of Controversial NFL Rule Change Proposal
This Cowboy won't be adjusting one of the NFL's most controversial laws.
Dallas Cowboys CEO/executive vice president Stephen Jones reported that efforts to adjust rules concerning fumbles that bounce out of the back of the end zone have "died." Jones is a member of the NFL Competition Committee, which has also discussed adjustments to the league's kickoff procedures, which could come to mirror those seen in the rebooted XFL spring league.
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Costlier fumbles in the red zone have been an NFL talking point in recent seasons. As currently constructed, a team that loses a fumble that goes out of the back of its opponent's end zone loses possession. A touchback is declared and the opponent gets a new drive at its own 20-yard line.
The most recent high-profile example likely stems from last month's AFC Divisional playoff matchup between Buffalo and Kansas City: with his Chiefs poised to take a two-possession lead, receiver Mecole Hardman fumbled out of the back of the end zone, renewing the Bills' hope for a comeback, though Kansas City ultimately prevailed 27-24.
Jones' Cowboys recently fell victim to the trope during their Week 17 matchup against Detroit, which saw CeeDee Lamb lose a would-be touchdown and a two-possession lead against the Detroit Lions. Six years prior, the Cowboys stole a win in a nationally-televised showdown against the Oakland Raiders when Jeff Heath forced a fumble from a scrambling Derek Carr in the final minute of a 20-17 win.
Though to Competition Committee has apparently closed its investigation, those hoping for an adjustment to the rule could get what they want if at least 24 of the 32 NFL team owners opt for a change.
