NFL could examine end zone fumble rule for 2021?
With under two minutes remaining in the first half of the AFC Divisional Round playoff game between the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland wide receiver Rashard Higgins reached toward the end zone for a touchdown but suffered a hit delivered by Kansas City safety Daniel Sorensen short of the goal line. Higgins fumbled the ball out of the end zone for a touchback, per the NFL rule, and the Browns went on to lose the game 22-17.
The alleged "worst rule in sports" struck again, but it may not be long for the league past Super Bowl LV.
“I do think the Competition Committee will look at that rule this year,” Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said during a Wednesday appearance on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. "A lot of times it takes a catalyst play in an important game for the Competition Committee to dig in and think about changing a rule that’s been around for a long time. And certainly, that play hurt the Browns, helped the Chiefs, had an impact on the course of the game, so I do think there’s a good chance it’ll be looked at. I don’t know where the Committee will come down but I can see arguments on both sides."
Alternatives to the rule often mentioned by fans involve the offense receiving the ball at either the spot of the fumble, just inside the 10-yard line so that a first down isn't possible, or back at the 20-yard line to serve as a sort of "punishment" that doesn't include a costly turnover.
As it pertains to the Super Bowl LV matchup between the Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, all would do well to remember that it's only worth it to reach for the end zone if it's fourth down or the clock has expired at the end of a half.
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