Eagles want NFL to change rule on blocking field goals

The Eagles are petitioning the NFL to change a rule governing how defenses handle field-goal and extra-point attempts, according to ESPN:

The Philadelphia Eagles are proposing a rule change that would prohibit players from jumping over the line of scrimmage to block a field goal or extra point. Currently, players can do it as long as they do not materially come into contact with an opponent while jumping. The rule is difficult to officiate, and the strategy can be dangerous from a safety standpoint.

The proposal will be discussed next week at the NFL meetings in Phoenix. Any rule change would first have to be approved by the NFL's competition committee, then sent on to all the owners.

The competition committee has 10 members, including Giants owner Stephen Mara and Cowboys part-owner Stephen Jones (one of Jerry's sons). Coaches in the group include Arizona's Bruce Arians, Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis and Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin. All are chosen by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Other proposals that the competition committee will consider include making referees full-time employees, centralizing video replays at the NFL's New York headquarters, and automatic suspensions for players who commit certain kinds of violent hits.