NFL Approves Rule Change for Successful Challenge to Award Team 3rd Attempt

The NFL amended its rules regarding coaches' challenges.

Coaches will be granted a third challenge if they were successful on one of their first two tries.

Under the old rule, a team could only make a third challenge if both of its previous two were successful.

The Detroit Lions submitted the change to be evaluated by NFL owners during the league meeting.

Team owners were less receptive to a much larger alteration to the replay review process. ESPN's Stephen Holder reported Sunday there was "minimal traction" behind the Indianapolis Colts' idea to allow all officiating decisions, including penalties, to be reviewable within the final two minutes of each half.

Widening the criteria for a third challenge doesn't represent a sea change for the NFL but is likely to have a small effect.

Games could be longer if coaches are more frequently afforded a third challenge. In addition, head coaches might feel more emboldened to throw the red flag for a second time on a contentious call if they were already successful on their first try. There won't be the same kind of penalty if the call on the field stands.