The Supposedly Science-Challenged NFL Wants To Implant Computer Chips In Footballs
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The NFL may have played dumb over the science of air pressure in footballs during the past year-and-a-half, but they sure seem up on advanced computer technology.
The league really can't claim ignorance on anything science-y anymore in the wake of a new report that they plan to use footballs implanted with computer chips to continue their efforts to look into making field goals harder to make. According to John Kryk of the Toronto Sun, NFL senior vice president of officiating Dean Blandino said "The discussion has really revolved around narrowing the uprights."
Essentially, the NFL's studies would determine how far inside the uprights most successful field goals are kicked, opening up the possibility of shrinking the space between the uprights. The league's rule change moving extra points back to the 15-yard line had a significant effect, as teams' collective success rate on PATs dropped from 99.3 percent in 2014 to 94.2 percent last season. However, the collective success rate on regular field goals went up a tick, from about 84 percent in 2014 to 84.5 percent in 2015.
You know how chips would help with kicks? Determining whether or not they were good in the first place. I can think of a time where that might have helped the Patriots ...
... But that's none of my business.
Blandino was also asked about the NFL's handling of footballs on game days and said there will be "nothing new" in that regard. As a follow-up, Kryk asked if the league would consider expanding the allowed PSI range of footballs.
"You know, we really take our direction from Wilson, the football manufacturers," said Blandino. "That's the optimum range of performance for the football, so that's the range we use. We'll continue to study and look at that, but I think we're comfortable where we are right now, and I don't see any need to make a change at this point."
Last time I bring up PSI, I promise. But just another case of the NFL talking out of both sides of its mouth.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
