Doc Brown

Seems there isn't a trigger. It's where the ref spots the ball that counts and the only change is they don't have to bring in the chain gang to measure for the first down.

Exaclty. Just tell the truth and it wouldn't be as controversial. You'll get some whiny Eagles fans but that play is an eyesore to watch.

They could've moved the kickoff back five more yards too and you'd pry get a massive return rate.

The NFL knows how gimmicky/unappealing/rugby style the play is and that's the real reason they want it banned. Goodell pry has some pressure from the TV networks to eliminate the play. I don't think it's a coincidence that McDermott is the public face now of the anti push tush as the Bills benefited more from it than 30 other teams. Lends to credibility. It was a mistake though as McDermott's never been a great orator.

I can see Bills at Steelers. Next time X-mas falls on a Sunday is 2033.

They had nearly the same success rate as the Eagles last year. Philly were 39 of 48 (81.3% success rate) and Bills were 29 or 36 (80.6% success rate). I expect the following counter argument to be they couldn't consistently do it in the playoffs against the Chiefs when it mattered the most.

They pry thought he'd be a good spokesman in the case against it since we were the 2nd best team in the NFL to utilize the rule. It's a lot less self serving if it were to come from a rival of the Eagles. I can see how the play can become more dangerous with defenses maybe trying to time the snap and leaping over piles. If a guy gets paralyzed jumping over the center (or a prominent QB sustains a significant injury with the defender doing the jumping) then the NFL would be accused of lack of foresight. That's all theoretical though and doesn't yet hold water. I personally hate the play and want it banned. It's an eye sore. This is one instance where maybe they just should tell the truth. It looks terrible on TV and networks/streaming services are a large part of our revenue. I'm just happy he didn't do a 9/11 comparison.

Would we have gotten to that game?

McDaniel had the benefit of taking over a team with a more old school coach in Flores where the work ethic was strong on the team. Even with way less talent to work with. I could see it starting to slip McDaniel's second year as the habits slowly died to the point where they were a soft team who folded down the stretch.

It would be interesting if anyone would move up for Sanders in this situation. It's hard to see the Browns passing on him though just to remove the stench of Watson.

Agreed. I don't get it either. Public perception maybe? Avoiding lawsuits maybe? I don't think Woody Johnson is doing it under the kindness of his heart.

We’d go from comparing McDermott to Schottenheimer to comparing him to Tomlin.

Room for improvement?

The other three teams involved in the DeShaun Watson sweepstakes obviously are breathing sighs of relief. I didn't anticipate his play dropping off that drastically so I kind of got why the Browns did it given how desperate they were for a franchise QB. A high risk high reward type move. Obviously, it backfired spectacularly.

We didn't know that last off-season and the 49ers apparently didn't either. Didn't count on him being rusty "holding in" during training camp.