5 of the Dumbest NFL Rules That Have to Go

The NFL is a league that is brimming with really dumb rules. This is a list about the ones that really need to go.

Whether it's the Tuck rule, the increased pass interference calls or the recent inadvertent whistle/fumble ruling in the Lions-Saints playoff game, there are all kind of NFL rules that just plain need to go (via NBC Sports).

Here are five that the NFL should do away with before next season starts.

Tuck Rule

The Tuck rule became infamous when it basically secured Tom Brady a spot in his first Super Bowl, and it is a really dumb rule. But what is it exactly?

Basically, the Tuck rule means that if the quarterback's arm is going forward when the ball pops out, that it is ALWAYS a pass attempt. It doesn't matter if it is knocked out or if it is obvious the quarterback isn't trying to pass. If the arm is moving forward, it is incomplete.

That's dumb. If a quarterback just happens to be going forward to avoid the defense, it should be a fumble. This is just one of many ways the rules favor offenses.

Pass Interference

Don't misunderstand me. Pass interference should be a penalty, but it shouldn't be slanted so directly in the offensive player's favor.

I say let them play. I like watching guys fight for the football, especially when it's an even matchup. However, the current rules allow the offensive player much more contact than the defensive guy.

They should change this to make it even, and not so obviously in favor of the offense.

Excessive Celebration

The purpose of football is ultimately to entertain: That's why professional sports are an entity in our culture, because people like to watch and be entertained by them.

So it makes perfect sense to have rules that make it less entertaining, right?

Wrong. I like touchdown celebrations, even pretty extravagant ones. It doesn't make any sense to get rid of these completely. I can see banning ones that are dangerous or take too much time out of play.

But Chad Ochocinco putting the football with the pylon? Terrell Owens autographing the ball he just scored with or eating the popcorn? Those aren't hurting anyone, they're just fun.

Roughing the Quarterback and Helmet-to-Helmet

Once again, these should be penalties, but they are way overblown.

Countless times, I've seen these penalties called for plays they should not have been. A guy leads with his shoulder, but since his shoulder is very close to his head, he gets a penalty for helmet-to-helmet. It's a judgement call that referees aren't quick enough to make accurately.

The quarterbacks are protected way too much. Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are football players just like James Harrison and Terrell Suggs are. Don't baby quarterbacks—make the same rules for them as everyone else.

Should the NFL protect its players? Yes, but not to the extent that it affects the quality of the football. This needs to be fixed.

Overtime

The overtime rules for the postseason and regular season should not be different. Right now, it is sudden death in the regular season, but in the playoffs, the other team gets a chance to score if their opponent only scores a field goal.

Make it the same all the time. I personally wish they'd make it sudden death but not allow field goals. It gives the defense more of a fair chance and makes it infinitely more interesting. Another possible improvement to that: Don't allow punting.

Just a thought, but no matter what they do, this needs to be fixed. Different rules for the playoffs and regular season is just ridiculous and proves rules are broken.