Jon Gruden proposes game-changing NFL rule tweak to curb pass interference impact

Ex-Superbowl winning coach Jon Gruden proposes a major change to defensive pass interference to make the game more challenging.

Jon Gruden proposes game-changing NFL rule tweak to curb pass interference impact

Jon Gruden (Image via Getty Images)

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, few rules hold as much sway over a game’s momentum as defensive pass interference (DPI). Traditionally penalized with the spot of the foul, this rule has often resulted in massive shifts in field position, handing offenses game-changing advantages.

If former NFL coach Jon Gruden had his way, DPI would be limited to a 15-yard penalty, significantly altering the league’s strategic landscape. It’s easy to find examples of NFL games dramatically impacted by 50-50 calls, resulting in a 50-yard penalty and a quick seven points.

Gruden, the former Super Bowl-winning coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, envisioned a scenario where the NFL adopts a key rule from the college game. During an appearance on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take, Gruden shared his thoughts on tweaking NFL officiating, advocating for defensive pass interference to shift from a spot-of-the-foul penalty to the 15-yard limit used in college football.

I would make it the college rule, honestly, because some of these pass interference calls are impacting the game, just one play there, I don’t think there’s a common thread in what is and what isn’t pass interference. I think this crew calls it a little different from that crew. That is a penalty right now that, I think, has taken over a lot of these games.

Jon Gruden said

Offenses often benefit from plays that have little chance of success due to an underthrown deep ball by the quarterback. In the NFL, a wide receiver can catch a break and draw a 60-yard penalty, a result that Gruden and many others believe is overly punitive.

The former Super Bowl champion isn’t the only one who has proposed changing the current NFL rules. As the game environment becomes more competitive, new rules can keep the game innovative and changing.

Jon Gruden’s admission comes amid a pass interference foul during Broncos-Chargers game

In the fourth quarter of a Thursday Night Football matchup at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Tarheeb Still evaded a clear pass interference call against Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers vs Denver Broncos game pass interference call

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix underthrew a deep pass intended for Mims. The underthrow allowed Still to close the gap. However, Still grabbed Mims’ arm and initiated contact before the ball arrived without trying to turn and locate the ball—a textbook example of pass interference.

Despite the apparent foul, no flag was thrown. As a result, the Broncos, trailing by three points, were forced to punt. Completion on the play would have positioned Denver within field goal range to tie the game or even take the lead with a touchdown.

The Broncos ultimately lost the game 34-27, making the non-call for defensive pass interference a pivotal moment. However, the controversy might have been avoided entirely had Nix delivered a better pass. If he had led Mims more accurately, the play would likely have resulted in a touchdown.

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