ditto gottarace. During yesterday's game they posted a stat showing that certian NFL receivers are averaging 80-85 yards per game. The stat caused the announcers to add that "and all of these players are presently playing in the NFL."
I am like, "duh, hello." The no-contact-after-5 rule is gonna run this stat even higher. Even mediocre receivers will be able to average 80-85 yards per game.
Right now, if the O needs a 1st down the QB might as well put it up and hope for the call. No reception necessary ... don't even need a good pass. Just launch it and wait for the bump call.
I'm all for calling the hold. But the bump call is ridiculous. Used to be the defender had as much right to the ball as the receiver. The way the refs are calling games this year, that rule went out the window.
Let's hope the rules committee revisits this issue in the offseason. I don't think anyone wants the refs determining who wins or loses a game.