Saturday Discussion: Proposed NFL Rule Changes

Editors Note: I want to apologize for not having up my weekly "Saturday Morning Coffee" piece as planned. I, as well as the other editors, have been wrapped up in graduation madness. They with college, I with high school. Be sure to check back next Saturday Morning for SMC. Thanks! -Jared S.

The NFL meetings took place this past week in Atlanta, Georgia, where all of the owners gathered to discuss possible rule additions and changes as well as several other matters of discussion, such as the New Orleans Saints ongoing bounty scandal, with commissioner Roger Goodell.

While the NFLPA has yet to approve these new rulings, here is a brief rundown of the tentative rule changes the owners and the commissioner approved of this week, effective in 2013.

New Mandatory Equipment For Every Player

Starting in 2013, every NFL player is required to wear thigh and knee pads mandatory for every player. While I feel that this is a solid step in augmenting player safety on the field, this could affect any given player's performance. Since players are now required to add some weight on their legs, their running ability may be slightly impaired. The positions that stick out to me is kicker and punter, who typically don't wear padding on their legs. We might see a few more missed field goals and shorter punts in 2013.

The Trade Deadline Moved From Week 6 To Week 8

This rule seems to a no brainier if I'm the NFLPA or the Owners. This allows disgruntled players more time to seek a trade to another team, and the owners more time to acquire talent that they need to make a serious playoff push. The increased window of eight weeks gives folks around the league a better perspective of who's truly out of the playoff hunt, and who might be willing to trade sought after commodities.

A Modified Injured Reserve Policy

According to the approved change, every NFL team will be given one exception to allow one "marquee player" who sustained a significant injury during the season to return after eight weeks of being on IR. In the NFL, the rule was that once a player is placed on IR, that player is absolutely ineligible to return that season. In essence, the NFL seems to be allowing an extension of the PUP into the regular season.

So that's that, Pats Pulpit. What are you thoughts about the new proposals? Love em'? Hate em'? Let your voice be heard in the comments!