The NFL announced a major rule change to its instant-replay system Tuesday, as all scoring plays will now be subject to official review.
This will undoubtedly slow down the game, but it's a better compromise from the initial proposal, which requested the NFL to adopt the college system that reviews every play.
The new system doesn't mean that referees will be required to review every scoring play. Rather, it will be similar to the final two minutes of the second and fourth quarters, during which all plays are subject to official review.
Coaches will still have access to two challenges, and they'll be able to use a third challenge if they're successful on their first two. But now that they don't have to save their challenges for scoring plays — obviously, the most crucial plays in every game — coaches can be more liberal with their use of challenges on other plays.
Now, every toe-tapping touchdown catch and each run through a goal-line scrum will undoubtedly go to a booth review. This is a good rule for the sake of getting it right, but there's no doubt it will cause games to run a little later.
Other rule changes from Tuesday:
Kickoffs moved to the 35-yard line
New 'Boise Rule' ensure all fields will be green
