One NFL Rule to Annoy Players, Teams and Coaches

Here we go, time to have some fun with the NFL lockout still going on.

The topic of discussion, rules that would drastically change the game both on and off the field for some of the NFL’s more dynamic players.

We've got quarterbacks, running backs, players who are dynamic off the gridiron, a team that seems to have certain height requirements and a coach that always has a timeout available at the end of the game.

Let the fun begin, with 11 rules that, if added to the game, would make players, coaches and teams scratch their heads raw with frustration.

Please feel free to add to the list, make suggestions on the current list and as always, have some fun with it while we wait for the players and owners to shake hands.

Ben Roethlisberger: No Forward Passes While Being Tackled

“Big" Ben Roethlisberger never goes down on the first hit, making it that much harder for opposing defenses to try and stop the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The league has been changing in recent years to create new rules that protect the NFL’s precious quarterbacks. The so-called “Brady rules" are intended to make sure the league’s moneymakers stay in the game and not on the sidelines in crutches or casts.

However, Roethlisberger still finds himself running into defenders and throwing them aside, keeping the play alive and gaining first downs for the Steelers. However, what if the league decided to implement another rule to keep the quarterback from taking extra hits.

If the defender or defenders are able to get a single arm on the quarterback, then the quarterback is not allowed to throw the ball downfield until he breaks free of the defender(s).

Think about how many first downs or big plays the Steelers would lose. I would say almost half the time Ben throws he has at least one defender hanging all over him.  

DeSean Jackson: Celebration Penalties Give Points to the Other Team

DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles is one of the most exciting players in the NFL, and really when you think about it, the only way the NFL can slow this man down or hold him check is when he celebrates.

Instead of the old 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty called for excessive celebration or taunting, the other team gets points. Now, I don’t want to give a team an entire touchdown for not doing their job in the first place and giving up a big play, so let’s say the team is awarded 3 points and possession of the ball on their 35-yard line.

Jackson will still have the chance to provide exciting plays, but his entertainment skills would be significantly reduced.

Devin Hester: No More Kickoffs

This is actually a rule that has been brought up in both the NFL and NCAA. I really can’t imagine the game of football without having a kickoff.

It is one of the more exciting plays in the game. The Chicago Bears' Devin Hester has made his living off taking both punt and kickoff returns back for 6. It's his initial acceleration, then patience to read his blockers and find the hole, and completing it with speed that few can match.

Hester would potentially be out of a job if this rule actually existed.

The league has actually approved a new rule to move the kickoff closer, giving the returner less time between him and the charging tacklers coming his way. This may not have that huge of an effect on a guy as talented as Hester, but it should be interesting to see how this does impact special teams.

Aaron Rodgers: No Hot Reads Allowed

Aaron Rodgers of Green Bay is one of the best quarterbacks at picking up the blitz and making the defense pay big for trying to put him on the ground.

What if the quarterback was not allowed to call a hot route? Instead, after reading the defense and picking up the blitz that was about to come, all the quarterback could do is call another play, call a timeout or hope his offensive line can hold its own.

Peyton Manning: No Play-Calling While at the Line of Scrimmage

I don’t think Peyton Manning every calls plays in the Indianapolis Colts huddle anymore. The guy is a machine, and it is still amazing to watch him read a defense before he calls for the ball to be snapped.

However, take away his ability to call a play at the line of scrimmage, and you might be able to make Manning seem human on a couple of plays.

Although, I am sure he would adjust to this like he does everything else and become a machine once again.

Terrell Owens: No Making Fun of Your Quarterback to the Media

Terrell Owens could have a few rules made on his behalf: no working out during press conferences, no strange crying outbursts, and lastly, never being allowed to have his own talk show.

In all seriousness, Owens was one of the best receivers in the game. He still is a threat because of his ability to keep himself in great physical condition and his skills have never been the problem. His mouth, on the other hand is a different story.

New England Patriots: Have to Be at Least 5’10”

This isn’t a shot at short people, but rather me just being jealous of how talented these guys are and how much they can mean to a team.

The New England Patriots have five players on the offense that are below 5’10” that either run or catch the football, all of whom contribute significantly to the team. The veterans Kevin Faulk and Deion Branch at 5’8” serve as the veterans of the bunch.

After that, there is Wes Welker, who at 5’9” has become Tom Brady’s favorite target in recent years, having caught more than 110 passes in three of his four years with the Patriots.

Lastly, the Patriots have two underclassmen to keep the tradition alive of dynamic shorties. First is Danny Woodhead. At 5’8” Woodhead proved to be a valuable running back, racking up 97 carries for 547 yards and one touchdown. He also had 34 catches for 379 yards and five scores.

It comes as no surprise then that the Patriots drafted California’s Shane Vereen in the second round in the 2011 draft. At 5’9” he represents the newest shortie and couldn’t ask for a better team to be on if you're under 5’10”.

Darrelle Revis: No Holdouts When Currently Under Contract

It was not all Darrelle Revis’ fault with his holdout situation with the New York Jets last year. His head coach, Rex Ryan, crowned him, and Revis was given a position to cash in on his comments. Revis is one of the best corners in the game, but when you have a contract, especially after recently signing one; you are supposed to honor that commitment.

Adrian Peterson: Fumbles Results in Fines

In just four seasons in the NFL, Adrian Peterson has already tallied up 5,782 yards and 52 touchdowns with the Minnesota Vikings. However, he has also had a league-high 20 fumbles in those four years.

Let’s say that for every fumble a team has, a financial penalty is levied. If you fumble and your team recovers the ball, then it is $2,500. However, if you fumble and the other team makes the recovery it will cost $5,000.

Michael Vick: Can Only Scramble Once Every Four Plays

Remember when you were young (maybe you still are) and your friends and you would play football, in your backyard? I remember that because there were no blockers to protect the quarterback you established some defensive rules that acted as protection. For my friends and I, you had to count to four Mississippi before you could rush and could only blitz (rush without counting to four Mississippi) once every four downs.

Think about making a guy like Michael Vick only having a chance to run with the ball once every four possessions. He can still run around in the backfield and avoid tacklers, but no crossing the line of scrimmage or it would be a loss of down, basically illegal grounding becomes illegal running.

Mike Shanahan: No Timeouts to Ice the Kicker

It is only fair to suggest a rule that targets the coaches. After all, they have as much impact on the game as the players. The move that I dislike the most, calling a timeout right before a kicker is about to kick a field goal to try and win the game.

The game should not be determined by a timeout. Your defense either steps up or the other team beats them and gives itself a chance to win the game.

Sorry Mike Shanahan, using a timeout to “ice the kicker” is bush league.