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**RoyWilliams** · 08-03-2007, 10:15 AM

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/articl...SPT0RC7TG2.DTL

Quote:

After the season, coach Mike Nolan plans to submit a request for a rule change to downgrade the draconian nature of defensive pass interference penalties. It figures a defensive coach would stay true to his nature.

"I just think the severity of the penalty doesn't match the crime," Nolan said Thursday. "It's a game-changing call. If it's not legit, it can change the whole game."

Spotting the ball at the point of the foul can be as damaging to a defense as it is helpful to an offense, and Nolan said one call should not determine a game's outcome.

"It shouldn't change the winner or the loser," he said. "It's one thing to try to get more offense, but to affect the outcome of who wins and who loses, no rule should do that."

A crew of NFL officials has been in camp this week working selected team practice sessions. Mike Pereira, vice president of officiating, dropped in Thursday for a visit.

"Officials have nothing to do with changing the rules," Nolan said. "They just execute them."

Briefly: Running back Michael Robinson (dehydration) will return to practice today. ... Rookie running back Arkee Whitlock, a recent cut of the Vikings, was signed Thursday. He's from Southern Illinois. ... The 49ers will have a controlled scrimmage this afternoon and a day off Sunday. ... Wide receiver Ashley Lelie made a nice falling one-handed catch in the morning, keeping the ball pressed to his chest about two inches above the turf. ... Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin had an MRI exam on his bruised elbow and missed practice.

**Professor** · 08-03-2007, 03:28 PM

I think it is a legitimate request, I don't think it will change though

**BeastJacobs** · 08-03-2007, 03:29 PM

Not changing...Legit request though, bit of an extreme penalty, changed it because of Mel Blount.

**Serrated Shadow** · 08-03-2007, 03:37 PM

I'm torn on it though, because it does feel fair at times. Take for instance in hockey when a forward gets a break away, and it's pretty obvious he's going to capitalize, and then a defensement brings him down from behind. the forward gets a penalty shot for his trouble. Same with soccer, and that feels fair in both instances. Therefore to me I don't mind long penalty yardage for pass interference, but i do wish they wouldn't put the ball at the one yard line, rather like the 10 yard line, because to me that would still give the D a legitimate chance to defend. Also i kinda wish Pass interference was reviewable.

**Professor** · 08-03-2007, 04:01 PM

it only feels fair when it is against the other team's defense, LOL

**Serrated Shadow** · 08-03-2007, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by professorellisdtrails

it only feels fair when it is against the other team's defense, LOL

Pass interference is such a situational thing though. To me it oughta be like face masking, a stiffer penalty for grabbing a dude cause you know he was going to score as opposed to a lesser one for other types of circumstances. It's just too complicated sometimes i guess.