49ers defensive players happy with NFL rule changes
Officiating crew explains new rules
By Daniel Brown
Mercury News
Article Launched: 08/01/2008 01:36:03 AM PDT
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An NFL officiating crew gave the 49ers a presentation on the rule changes Thursday.
And, in a rarity, defensive players were happy with what they heard.
One of the biggest developments for 2008 is the elimination of the force-out rule. A receiver who jumps to catch a ball must get both feet in bounds regardless of whether a defender knocks him out of bounds while he's airborne.
"I'm loving the change," said strong safety Michael Lewis, a seven-year veteran, noting that recent rule changes have tended to favor the offense. "This gives us another tool we can use."
Coach Mike Nolan, a former college defensive back, embraces the change as well.
"I do like the force-out because it's more clear-cut," he said. "There's no gray area there. Get your feet in or you're out.
"It also gives the defensive player the opportunity to make a good play. He doesn't have to quit on something. His efforts count and he's rewarded for them. I think that's the way the game ought to be."
Bill Leavy, a head referee and San Jose native (who just moved back to town), made the presentation to the 49ers with the rest of his crew.
He detailed changes that also include allowing one defensive player per side to wear a helmet equipped with a radio connection to the sideline. It's something quarterbacks have enjoyed for years.
"There's more stuff that helps the defense," Leavy said during his presentation to the media.
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for the pregame coin flip. The winner of the coin toss has the option of deferring his choice to the second half.
Incidental face-mask penalties are also out. A flag will be thrown only if a player "twists, turns or pulls the face mask of an opponent in any direction."
• It was another rough day for the offense. Regardless of which player is at quarterback, the 49ers are having a hard time completing anything but short throws.
Nolan agreed that the defense looks ahead of the offense, but added: "You want to get better as the season goes along so that you peak at the end. I'm not looking for the offense to be the very best at the beginning. . . . We need to be good enough to win early. From there we just need to continue to get better. There are no doubts that we'll continue to get better."
• First-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer missed his second full day of practice because of a sprained ankle. The 49ers list the defensive lineman's status as day to day.
• Tackle Damane Duckett returned to individual drills after missing several days because of a sprained knee.
• Local coaching legend Charlie Wedemeyer was on hand to watch practice as a guest of Nolan.
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Contact Daniel Brown at [email protected]
- MadRussky 2008-08-01 10:58:48 (178 views)