The New York Jets got some bad news today and it had nothing to do with any players they signed or lost.
At the annual NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach Florida, there were several rule changes proposed by various clubs to be discussed and voted on. The headliner is the “tush push” or “brotherly shove” play that the Green Bay Packers have proposed to ban.
But the Detroit Lions proposed another rule change that they hoped to see pass. The Lions would like the league to get rid of automatic first downs after defensive holding. There would still be a five-yard penalty enforced on the flag, but the free first down would be eliminated. The Lions presented the rule by saying that the effect is “Competitive equity. Current penalty enforcement is too punitive for the defense.”
On Tuesday, Campbell said he didn’t feel too confident that the rule would change. Then, later in the day Lions got some bad news when the league announced that the NFL will not be changing the defensive holding rule. They will continue to result in automatic first downs.
It’s no secret why the Lions wanted the rule changed. Since the start of the 2023 season, no team has been burned by this rule more than the Lions. 26 times in two years. And the defensive coordinator for the team that was burned the most by that rule now has the top job with the New York Jets.
There is obviously something being taught in the way Glenn instructs his defensive backs that makes them prone to a defensive holding call. And if Glenn is looking for the skill and talent of the players currently on the Jets roster to rise above those penalties, he better think again.
The team that was flagged second most after the Lions in defensive holding penalties since 2023? The New York Jets.
Personally, I happen to agree with the proposed rule change. The automatic first down feels excessive to me and too many times I have seen a team get a ticky tack call on third and twelve because a DB may have held. It’s unnecessary and I think the NFL should re-consider the automatic first down.