Jets: Make pass interference a 15-yard penalty, not a spot foul
Jets cornerback Buster Skrine commits pass interference on Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns at MetLife Stadiumon Oct. 1, 2017. Credit: Lee S. Weissman
The Jets will propose changing the rule on defensive pass interference when NFL owners meet next week in Orlando, Florida. Ten rules changes will be proposed to the Competition Committee during the meetings.
The Jets were penalized nine times for defensive pass interference last season, tied for 11th. The Jets would like the rule to be the same as in college football — a 15-yard penalty from the line of scrimmage instead of a spot foul.
As part of the proposed rule change, the Jets would like a first down to be awarded at the spot of the foul if it is intentional and egregious.
The league average for defensive pass interference calls was 8.66 last season. The Jets were called for offensive pass interference five times, with the league average at 3.66.
Jets starting cornerbacks Buster Skrine and Morris Claiborne tied for the team lead in interference calls with three. Skrine led NFL defensive backs with 11 total penalties. Last season, Jets’ defensive backs were penalized 34 times for 361 yards. Newly signed cornerback Trumaine Johnson was flagged for pass interference twice with the Rams.
