Reviewing the new umpire position

Outstanding article about how little impact the big umpire controversy had on the season

I would expect to see a far number less plays run this year than last if the positioning had any real effect on hurry-up offenses.  This season teams ran 44,438 plays.  Last season there were 43,228.  The Colts had 1,407 offensive snaps in 2010 and 1,437 in 2009 (2 more games in there as well).  I think we can safely say there was little to no effect on hurry-up offenses.

The only penalty that was added to the rule book with this change was the “illegal snap” that was called when we played the Packers in pre-season.  I went through the play-by-play for the season and found NO illegal snaps listed.  I think we can safely say that the quarterbacks in the league made sure the last official was set before they called for the snap.

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