NFL.com has an article on the rule changes for 2009. There was a push within the league to change the overtime rules but they say that isn’t happening. Overtime won’t change but owners are expected to discuss several player safety changes at the owner meetings which start tomorrow.
Some highlights:
A defender who hits a defenseless receiver in the head with his helmet or any part of his body will draw a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and be subject to a fine from the NFL.
If a pass rusher, who is blocked into the quarterback’s legs or into the ground on the way to the quarterback, continues to run or drives forcefully into the player, he’ll draw a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty and be subject to a fine.
In addition, the committee is recommending that instant replay — which currently covers certain fumbles — be expanded to include all fumble plays, including the “tuck rule,” whereby a quarterback is deemed to have thrown an incomplete pass rather than fumbled if his arm is moving forward.
You can discuss these proposed changes in our forums.