NFL notes: Owners shoot down most replay proposals

NFL owners shot down nearly every video replay proposal brought to their meetings Tuesday in Phoenix, while approving six safety rule changes.

Of the 13 replay alterations proposed, the only one passed will allow game officials to use replay for clock issues at the end of a half, game or overtime if more than 1 second remains.

Proposals defeated were:

• increasing coaches’ challenges by one to three;

• replay reviews of personal fouls;

• reviews of any penalty resulting in a first down, with no challenge necessary;

• replays on fouls against a defense- less receiver being enforced when a reversal results in an incomplete pass;

• reviewing fouls against a defenseless receiver, with an unsuccessful challenge not costing a timeout;

• reviewing whether time expired on the play clock before the ball is snapped;

• using stadium-produced video for a replay review.

The owners approved a proposal for stopping play when a medical adviser believes a player is unstable and should be taken off the field.

They also approved rules prohibiting players from pushing teammates on the line of scrimmage when the opponent is punting; eliminating all peel-back blocks and chop blocks by running backs outside the tackle box; and extending defenseless player protection during an interception return.

Tabled was a move to place cameras on all boundary lines (sidelines, goal lines and end lines) while the league further researches such a project.

As was a change in overtime that would require both sides to have a possession even if the team receiving the kickoff scores a touchdown is on the table.

Extra Points

Steve Underwood, the man selected by Tennessee’s owners to help search for a new president and chief executive officer, said they have made it clear the Titans aren’t for sale. … The Bears have agreed to a one-year contract with former 49ers DE Ray McDonald, who played under new Chicago defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in San Francisco.