The NFL recently informed teams that the league has modified what can be shown on videoboards during field goal and extra-point attempts, an alteration coming in the wake of a viral social media post from a former analytics coach.
The NFL has long required all video and ribbon boards to display a static image — no flashing images, blinking effects, moving text/images etc. — or an All-22 view, such as the high-sideline or high-end-zone angle, during kicks.
What has now changed, according to a memo obtained by ESPN that was sent to all clubs on Sept. 7, is that teams must use the same All-22 angle or static image for both kicking teams. The modification is designed to ensure competitive equity. Teams were warned that violations will result in discipline.
Ryan Paganetti, a former analytics coach with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders, posted on X that he had studied a decade of New England Patriots television broadcasts when Bill Belichick was head coach from 2000 to 2023.
Paganetti’s Sept. 1 social media post said he discovered that when opposing kickers prepared for an attempt, the videoboard displayed a reverse All-22 view of the kick. The result was a second set of offset goalposts shown on the videoboard, creating an optical illusion for opposing kickers.
Paganetti added that of the 52 kicks he studied that were attempted by the Patriots, the reverse All-22 view of the kick was never shown on the videoboard. Paganetti’s post on X had nearly 17 million views this weekend.
The Patriots were operating within the rules during that time, according to the NFL. Other teams with videoboards behind uprights were experimenting with various things that were also within the rules.
But now that the league is requiring clubs to use the same All-22 angle or static image for both kicking teams, that practice would no longer be allowed.
Culled from ESPN
