The XFL introduced an unprecedented rule that allows a head coach to challenge anything they choose to challenge, once per game.
After the first weekend of XFL 3.0, MDS brought up an interesting point about this challenge process tweak.
If the NFL had had that rule — and if Eagles coach Nick Sirianni hadn’t previously used the challenge during Super Bowl LVII — he could have thrown the flag after cornerback James Bradberry was called out on a defensive hold late in the fourth quarter. The visual evidence would then have shown that the call was correct, the decision would have stood, the Eagles would have lost a timeout, and the call controversy would have been less spirited.
Sure, some would have complained that the officials didn’t call similar fouls throughout the game. (I’m still waiting for someone to send clips of instances of unannounced defensive holds with obvious jersey pulls by the defender.) But Sirianni’s ability to challenge the game and decision when reviewing that the call was correct would have done the vitriol minimized.
Of course, that would have led to more people complaining about the miserable playing conditions.
Regardless, having the ability to challenge anything is valuable. It’s the ultimate emergency break glass option that could have a major impact on a game, season and/or championship.
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