“Madden is going to be unplayable” – NFL fans react to franchise owners’ decision on adopting XFL rule

The NFL team owners are meeting in Arizona this week and there are plenty of items on their agenda. One of which is possible rule changes that teams present each offseason. While most aren't put into place, the occasional changes that are made that fans typically aren't happy with. The Philadelphia Eagles are apparently looking to make a change to the fourth-down rules.

NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday afternoon that the Eagles proposed an alternative to an onside kick and an opportunity to convert a fourth and 20. Similar to what the XFL rules currently permit. The proposal was not voted down, but the team owners will reportedly continue to discuss the potential rule change at a later time.

"NFL owners tabled the #Eagles’ proposal to create a 4th-and-20 alternative to the onside kick, I’m told. So not voted down, but further discussion needed."

NFL fans weren't happy that this was a possible new rule change that the league could consider. With some saying that the rule change would make playing the Madden video game even worse and unpredictable. Others said that the NFL should make other rule changes before addressing this concept. And, others said that it would only make sense if it were in the fourth quarter as it is in the XFL.

---

NFL players can now sport a new jersey number

Proposing a new fourth-down rule wasn't the only suggestion that the Philadelphia Eagles presented at the league meetings this week. The organization also proposed allowing players to wear the number 0. Within the last few seasons, the league has already approved of players wearing any number regardless of their position.

The proposed change went for a vote and was approved by the rest of the league. This means players will now be allowed to wear the number.

Kickers and punters will now also be allowed to wear jersey numbers between 0-49 and 90-99, which was also suggested by the Eagles with their prior request.

The league also approved an additional rule change, including the use of video replays by the officials in certain instances. This includes the use on failed fourth down attempts. The league also changed the definition of a 'launch' to indicate that a player uses one or both feet to get into the air.

Tripping will also be considered a personal foul against a player. As with most rule changes each offseason, there will still be some getting used to these as well.