XFL Innovations NFL Should Implement, Some to Avoid

From Barry Werner of Touchdown Wire

The XFL has suspended operations and appears to be done forever. However, the fledgling league once again brought innovations the NFL should seriously consider adding to its repertoire and broadcasts.

The kickoff

The XFL kickoff was intriguing and beyond clever. If the NFL is serious about cutting out the danger of concussions and injuries suffered on kickoffs, it would quickly follow the XFL’s lead. And, as much as the big league has to try and doctor it with its own spin, leave what the XFL created alone. It works and works quite well.

The extra point

Wouldn’t go full bore with the XFL style of PATs. Can’t see the NFL going to nine-point plays for touchdowns. It would completely change history. However, it could be interesting to implement the XFL idea of giving the scoring team an option of the 33-yard PAT or trying for one point via a scrimmage play.

Open the instant replay booth to TV

There is no reason for the NFL to continue keeping decisions on instant replay a mystery. The XFL showed how well it works when the viewing audience is allowed to see the process on how calls are made from the replay booth. It was fascinating and great TV.

25-second clock

Anything that speeds up the game is good for the audience and for the play. Teams have enough issues getting plays off in the NFL now. Imagine if they were faced with a 25-second clock?

The double-pass

Sure it is kind of “carny” but what harm would there be to bring some more fun into the Not Fun League. It wouldn’t be used frequently, but when it was put in play, look out.

Gambling

Incorporating the betting line or the over/under into the broadcast on some level works. However, not as prominent as it was on XFL games. It became a fun point that went too far on some of the games.

Team colors on tips of balls

Loved the idea the XFL came up with on having the tips of the footballs have the colors of the teams. That way you never have to wonder what ball should be used. It also is, um, catchy to the eye when watching. What harm would there be to do this?

Shorter halftime

It basically is a waste of everyone’s time. So, cut it back to 10 minutes and let’s get on with the third quarter. Go for it.

Punting rules

If the ball goes out of bounds inside the 35-yard line, it is a “Major” touchback and the ball goes to the 35-yard line. If a punted ball lands in the opponent’s end zone or goes out of the end zone the result is a “Major” touchback, and the ball goes out to the 35-yard line.

Hire Oliver Luck

The NFL would do itself wonders to hire XFL Commissioner Oliver Luck in a role. Luck has proven to be an innovator and sharp executive. Roger Goodell would likely be threatened by having such a clever guy added to the NFL brass.

Avoid: Sideline interviews

It was fun while it lasted. However, it would not work in the NFL. The XFL was all about fun and audience involvement. Can’t see if any of the NFL sideline reporters actually doing the kind of work their XFL counterparts did. It also did have a bit of a “minor-league” feel to it.

Avoid: Coaches’ interviews during games

This was hard enough to make work and pull off during XFL games. Can you imagine trying to make it happen in the NFL? Never. Not worth the aggravation it would cause.