NFL notebook: NFL to examine replay rule from Lions-Texans game
BY Associated Press
Saturday, November 24, 2012
11/24/12 at 3:28 AM
The rule that negated using video replay to confirm a Houston Texans touchdown "may be too harsh" and will be re-examined immediately, NFL director of football operations Ray Anderson said Friday.
Anderson, also co-chairman of the competition committee that suggests rules changes to the owners, said a change could come this year. The NFL traditionally resists changing rules during a season.
"We will certainly discuss the rule with the competition committee members, as we do all situations involving unique and unusual circumstances, and determine if we feel a change should be recommended to ownership," Anderson said in a statement.
"Not being able to review a play in this situation may be too harsh, and an unintended consequence of trying to prevent coaches from throwing their challenge flag for strategic purposes in situations that are not subject to a coaches' challenge."
Anderson added the NFL is not bound by past events when a rule is proved to have loopholes, and that a 15-yard penalty for throwing the challenge flag on a play that is automatically reviewed might be enough. For now, throwing the challenge flag also eliminates the use of replay. All scoring plays otherwise are reviewed.
Justin Forsett's third-quarter 81-yard run in the Texans' 34-31 overtime victory at Detroit on Thursday initially was ruled a touchdown, although replays clearly showed his knee and elbow touched the turf when he was hit by Lions defenders. Detroit coach Jim Schwartz challenged, resulting in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and the negated use of video replay.
"I overreacted," Schwartz acknowledged. "And I cost us."
Chiefs' McCluster delivers turkey and gets a scolding: Even while giving away free turkeys, the Kansas City Chiefs cannot escape the wrath of their suffering fans.
Wide receiver Dexter McCluster, while delivering a free turkey and canned goods to a humble home on Thanksgiving Day, got an unexpected scolding from an elderly woman.
"She put me in my place," McCluster said with a grin. "But she's a sweet lady. She meant well."
McCluster said he hadn't even had time to put away the groceries before the woman, who lives alone, let him have it.
"She said, 'I'm praying for you guys. Hopefully you guys can win a game soon,' " he recalled. "I told her we're working hard. She said, 'Well, work harder.'
"I thanked her and told her there's always room for prayer. She told me she had lived in that house for 52 years."
Fan anger has been building all season against the Chiefs, who will be looking for their first home win Sunday when they host Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.
Steelers' Polamalu has first practice in 7 weeks: For the first time in seven weeks, Troy Polamalu was on the practice field with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The four-time All-Pro safety has played in only five quarters this season due to a strained right calf. He had not practiced since two days before a win over Philadelphia on Oct. 7, leaving in the first quarter of that game when he re-aggravated the injury after sitting out the two prior games.
"It was a Thanksgiving-Christmas gift to see him out there," said Polamalu's replacement, Will Allen.
Polamalu, however, was limited in Friday's practice and is considered doubtful to play Sunday when the Steelers (6-4) visit AFC North rival Cleveland (2-8).
Chargers place LT Gaither on IR: The San Diego Chargers have placed left tackle Jared Gaither on injured reserve, ending an unproductive season for a player expected to shore up a shaky offensive line.
Gaither played in only four games this season. He missed almost all of training camp and the first three games with a back injury. He injured his groin late in a loss at New Orleans and played in only two games since.
Status of Bears' Jay Cutler uncertain: The status of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler going into the weekend remains uncertain because of a concussion, although coach Lovie Smith said Friday he is optimistic about Cutler's return.
Cutler, who missed Monday night's 32-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, is listed as questionable against the Minnesota Vikings. Whether he plays in Sunday's game at Soldier Field hinges on passing a test from an independent neurologist on Saturday.
