As the NFL prepares for its Annual Meeting later this month, significant rule changes have been proposed that could reshape strategies and outcomes in the upcoming season, particularly for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Among the key proposals are suggestions from NFC teams that aim to modify overtime rules, penalties for defensive holding, and how playoff teams are seeded.
One major proposition comes from the Philadelphia Eagles, who want to align regular season overtime rules with those of the playoffs. Under this change, each team would be guaranteed at least one possession, which notably could have altered the outcome of the Buccaneers' recent overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In that crucial Week 9 game, the Bucs fell 30-24 after losing the coin toss and never having the chance to respond to the Chiefs' initial scoring drive in overtime.
Reflecting on that game, Buccaneers’ head coach Todd Bowles acknowledged the potential impact of the proposed change. The Bucs staged a dramatic comeback late in regulation, driving 71 yards in under two minutes to tie the game. Ultimately, Bowles elected to kick a game-tying extra point instead of attempting a two-point conversion for a lead, a decision that later drew criticism. Had the new overtime rule been in effect, the Bucs' offense would have had a second chance to claim victory.
The Lions are also advocating for rule changes that concern penalties for defensive plays. Their proposal seeks to eliminate the automatic first down awarded for defensive holding (a 10-yard penalty) and illegal contact (a 5-yard penalty). Both of these penalties have proven pivotal in extending drives, especially during critical situations, and the Lions believe that modifying this could lead to a fairer structure in how penalties impact game flow.
Additionally, the Lions have proposed a bylaw that would allow Wild Card teams to be seeded higher than division winners if they hold a better record. Last season, the Buccaneers made the playoffs with an 8-9 record, benefiting from their position in a weaker division. This new seeding system could have seen the Bucs facing a more challenging Wild Card matchup instead of entering the playoffs as a division champion.
On another front, the Green Bay Packers have put forth the proposal to outlaw a tactic commonly referred to as the “tush push,” a play that has gained notoriety for its efficacy, especially with the Eagles. This maneuver, which involves pushing the quarterback forward at the snap, has raised safety concerns. Bills head coach Sean McDermott labeled the play a "player safety risk," citing the potential for injuries caused by its execution.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, both proponents and opponents of the play expressed their views. Nick Sirianni, the Eagles’ head coach, defended the practice, emphasizing the skill and strategic planning that goes into executing it successfully. "I feel a little insulted because we work so hard at that play," he stated, highlighting the effort put into its development.
For the proposal to ban the tush push to pass, it will require the approval of at least 24 out of the 32 team owners. If successful, teams employing this play could incur significant penalties—specifically a loss of 10 yards for infractions related to assisting the runner.
These proposed changes come at a time when teams are actively preparing for the NFL Draft and evaluating their rosters. The Buccaneers are facing heightened scrutiny, especially given their mixed performance in the 2022 season, in which they entered the playoffs on a tenuous 8-9 standing, benefiting largely from their divisional competition.
Head coach Todd Bowles, who serves on the NFL's competition committee, did not present any proposals this season; however, he is expected to weigh in on discussions surrounding the upcoming changes. Significant shifts in rules could alter how games are played, and the Bucs will need to stay vigilant and adaptable as they approach the new season.
With these decisions pending, the NFL community, including the Buccaneers and their fans, will be watching closely. The outcomes of these proposals—ranging from overtime rules to playoff seeding—promise to have a substantial impact, potentially altering the trajectories of games and teams throughout the league.
As NFL owners come together for the Annual Meeting, the impact of these discussions will resonate beyond just the Buccaneers, influencing how football is played and how teams strategize moving forward. With the stakes high, the excitement and anticipation surrounding these rule changes continue to build.
