Peyton Manning forsees two potential problems with the new location of the umpire.
Manning and others have already expressed concern about the impact that the umpire’s new position could have on no huddle offenses, but Peyton is more concerned about other possibilities.
When a controversial play occurs, quarterbacks commonly attempt to get their team into position so that they can snap the football before an opposing coach decides to throw the red flag to challenge the previous play.
“I’ve talked to some other quarterbacks and they said they’ve had similar frustrations with it,” Manning said Monday. “The challenge situation is very real when you try to hurry it up to avoid the coach getting a great look at it.
He added saracastically, “Let’s just give them an HD, slow-motion look now if we have to take that much time.”
Manning also expressed his frustration about the possibility of no longer being able to catch the opposing team in the middle of a substitution. The Colts are well known for snapping the ball after a new defensive player comes onto the field and just before the twelfth one exits to the sidelines. The new position of the umpire could take that advantage away from them.
“Do you just sit there and watch him go off the field? Do you turn back [to the umpire] and check and say, ‘Hey, are you ready?’ Manning asked the Indinapolis Star.
The new rule change is expected to undergo more alterations before the finished product appears in the regular season.