Experimental NFL Europe mechanics?
 

I just flipped over to an NFL Europe game on the NFL Network...it looks like they are experimenting with some different mechanics. Namely, moving the U behind the line of scrimmage opposite the R (except on scrimmage kick plays). Anyone else noticed this? Or has this been around in NFL Europe for a while and I just haven't noticed it?

It does look like that.

Peace

Have they given a reason? Or do they just want to encourage holding & not admit it?

The reasoning is based on the fact that some feel it would be safer to have an official in the backfield rather than in harms way with passing routes and a ball carrier running directly at them. I guess the idea it that they can see holding or other infractions from the same position that the referee can. After all this is an experiment because I know of nothing that has anything to do with encouraging holding. This was to avoid official injury and keep them out of direct line of play.

Peace

Safety is the main reason. Also, haven't seen it yet but are the U's wearing a helmet yet? There is a REALLY good chance that NFL umpires will be wearing some kind of headgear. The NFL had 5 or 6 different styles of headgear for the NFL umpires to look at and the feedback I got from one guy that saw them said they looked pretty good and he is looking forward to seeing what the final decision is.

I too caught some of the first part of the game while channel surfing...and they had explained it was mainly because of the safety factor. However one thing I noticed was how weird it was not seeing the U at the end of the play and how long it took to for him (or someone else) to run up and spot the ball...I wonder what kind of impact that will have in hurry up situations?

How do they cover the spot of illegal forward passes past the LOS and
other related umpire mechanics like ineligibles downfield if the U
in the the offensive backfield ?
I think it is a poor idea.
Every official is at risk, and most umpires love the perspective of
the game that they have with offenses coming towards them.
Just this old U of 37 seasons sayin' !

I would think that the wings would have to catch the ineligibles downfield and illegal forward passes which I think already happen in 7 man mechanics. I think the wings already do this in that mechanics set. Not to say I agree with the change, I am just saying.

Peace

It was only a few years ago that they reassigned that task from R to U.

Recently I viewed some film from the 1940s in which 3-man mechanics was used. On some scrimmage downs the U started in a wing position, and as or before the ball was snapped (sometimes as the OL got into 3-pt), moved toward the present U's position. In others the U started in the present position.

Robert

As a varsity U I have not been knocked down in 3 years, a lot of close calls though. The only time I was down was when I voluntarily went chest first to the ground when my feet got tangled and the QB and rusher were coming at me fast (as Referee in Flag football) they jumped over me and then I jumped up quick like a grass cutter :). I am rather large (yes, I do perpetuate the large umpire stereotype) and have knocked down more than a few people, but knowing where to go and when is the issue, so I think others will just have to learn.

This sounds too weird! half of the reason of an umpire is in the defensive backfield is to help control the trenches, and be right on top of the ball when it comes down to prevent extracurricular activities; being 3-4 seconds away on a 5-10 yd rush down the middle could be a greenlight for extras!

REPLY: I agree with BigGref's opinion that the value of the umpire's 'traditional' positioning is not that obvious during the play, but rather after the play has concluded. The faster an official can get to a pile, the less likely something untoward will occur. When the players know that an official is close by ("OK guys, it's over"), they are not as likely to get into it with an opponent.

The umpires will still be responsible for getting to the pile, however I do agree that they will be a step or two slower getting there than they were in the past. And the step or two may be all that it takes to get something going. We'll see how it works.

I could have used a helmet when I got knocked down a couple of times in college games as the BJ. Overzealous d-backs are not to be messed with! Stay away from the pile. As for the U wearing a helmet, if it ever gets to the HS level, they'll be issuing skirts!

"Quarterbacks should wear dresses." - Steelers linebacker Jack Lambert