What about the ball? Would the offense effectively lose a yard every play?
replyOr would the center be at the ball and do a short long snap to the backfield?
What would be considered a "standing position"? I guess both feet on the ground, can't use hands or arms to brace against the ground or self.
Similar to the CFL. Offense lines up per usual with the ball. Defense is pushed back 1 or 1.5 yards (2 is probably excessive) and can enter the zone the second ball is snapped.
replyThere are some side effects (goodbye tush push) but it drastically reduces helmet contact for those 8-10 players every down.
And indeed, disallowing brace against ground is all you'd need to get the standing result.
I think the league would be weirdly resistant to the standing rule. So much of technique is taught from the three-point stance that I can see a lot of position coaches becoming worried that they'd essentially be starting over.
replyNo doubt, it's very deeply entrenched and would face a ton of opposition... Which I do sympathize with. You spend your life mastering the dynamics of these stances/positions and then the rug's ripped out.
replyThe game would change but I don't think it would be existential, more of an evolution. It may even make it more fun to watch. Speed becomes much more important as does general athleticism.