NFL may make change to facemask calls after big controversy

Dec 11, 2011; Denver, CO, USA; General view of a NFL logo on a communications center inside Sports Authority Field before the start of the game between the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos. The Broncos defeated the Bears 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

After the Minnesota Vikings were hurt by a baffling non-call on a clear facemask Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams, the possibility has been raised of potentially making such calls reviewable.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy admitted to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the possibility of facemask calls being reviewable was “likely” to come up during the offseason. McCarthy added that instant replay is a regular offseason topic, however, seemingly downplaying the chances of a significant change.

“Yes, it’s likely that face mask will come up this offseason,” McCarthy said via email. “Instant replay and what plays should and should not be reviewable is part of the conversation every offseason, and it’s anticipated it will come up again. Teams may propose a rule change and there have previously been a variety of proposals on which plays or if all plays should be reviewable.”

The topic coming up is no guarantee that a change will follow. The league has generally been reluctant to expand replay review to possible penalties. The league allowed teams to challenge pass interference calls in 2019, but the call on the field was rarely overturned and the concept was eliminated after one season. Other proposals to make personal foul calls reviewable have been met with resistance and have not really gone anywhere.

It is not hard to see why some would want blatant missed calls like the one Thursday night to be reviewable. It would not be a surprise to see a proposal to that effect, but the league has generally been reluctant to move in that direction.