With the rise in popularity of RPOs, do you see rule changes in the future as it relates to ineligible players downfield?

 

 

 

I doubt it, but I wish there would be. At the very least, I think they need to get a lot better about enforcing the existing rules on downfield linemen. It’s a tough assignment for the officials but it makes it very difficult on the defense to stop it when they allow linemen to get a few yards downfield and still pass. 

I think they should allow them to get downfield further as long as they’re not blocking but that’s a tough ask for even the best officials.

I think the rules are fine, but very difficult for officials to be consistent.  It changes for every officials group and sometimes from week to week.  Teams run so many variations of RPOs it’s just hard for refs to get it right all the time.  Just my opinion. 

I always felt that when we used 5 man crews it became important for the head linesman and field judge to help the umpire with that situation. For years the mechanic was for the umpire to move to the line of scrimmage on a pass play. Haven't worked in about 20 years so I imagine that may have changed. The RPO would make it really difficult.