NFL Rule Changes For 2008Every year the NFL makes a few rule changes or clarifications and this year is no exception, although there are fewer of them this year. The changes for 2008 are as follows:
The first is the Marion Barber Rule (not official name): The Cowboys already have a rule named after one player and this should be the second. This rule is aimed at eliminating the wild punch-like stiff arm that Barber is known for throwing. The rule isn’t new, nor will it be interpreted any differently, it will just be called more often. Anytime a player, not only a running back, delivers a shot to the head of another player, it will result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and 15 yards loss.
Elimination of incidental facemask penalty: Previously, there were two varieties of facemask penalties; intentional (15-yard penalty) and incidental (5-yard penalty). Officials will no longer penalize incidental facemasks. These occur when one player's hand hits another's facemask, grabbing it accidentally but immediately releasing it. The 15-yard intentional penalty will still be in effect, characterized by the grabbing and twisting or turning of an opponent's facemask.
