NFL to potentially use optical tracking system to measure 1st Downs for 2024

[SHOWTIME]

The NFL is preparing to test optical tracking for line-to-gain rulings this preseason, with the chance for it to be implemented fully in the 2024 regular season, sources tell @NFLonCBS. Chains would be a backup if this is a success https://t.co/F4K2f28do1

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) May 21, 2024

All game footballs are microchipped and have been for years. But this technology doesn't employ the chip and instead relies entirely on optical tracking. The system, which was used at MetLife Stadium and Hard Rock Stadium last year, would need to be installed across all 30 NFL stadiums as well as any international stadium where NFL games are played.

If the system works, it would make for a more accurate measuring system that reduces the amount of human error. If the league sees there are problems such as latency issues in the preseason, the move can be tabled until 2025 with the chain crew continuing to do the same job as always.

[MMXcalibur]

I also have an optical tracking system: my eyes.

[Bob Dole]

If they’re gong to use it, they should use it for every down.

[Otter]

Not sure if I like this or not. Kinda takes the humanity out of the game.

[Mr. Wizard]

Yet they have no answer for the most important measurement, the goal line.

[St. Patty's Fire]

Originally Posted by Otter

Not sure if I like this or not. Kinda takes the humanity out of the game.

you say this now but when we get ****ed out of a first down im sure you’ll be saying the linemen should kill themselve

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by Otter

Not sure if I like this or not. Kinda takes the humanity out of the game.

I would love to see it. Take away any potential for error possible. The technology is there, they just need to use it.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by HemiEd

I would love to see it. Take away any potential for error possible. The technology is there, they just need to use it.

We really got shafted in the Buffalo game with spots. It was crazy.

If they can fix that I'm all in. For some reason I fully expect this roll out to start with a complete and immediate failure. Hopefully they've tightened all the screws on this process already...

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by Rausch

We really got shafted in the Buffalo game with spots. It was crazy.

If they can fix that I'm all in. For some reason I fully expect this roll out to start with a complete and immediate failure. Hopefully they've tightened all the screws on this process already...

I could not agree more, it is maddening!

[Jewish Rabbi]

Would like to see Carl Cheffers measure Chris Jones’ hawg lmao

[threebag]

Originally Posted by Jewish Rabbi

Would like to see Carl Cheffers measure Chris Jones’ hawg lmao

He can’t, his uvula gets in the way

[ThrobProng]

Makes sense. The current system seems pretty shoddy, like that time when a ref used an index card to determine if a spot had resulted in a first down.

[DaFace]

I wish there were more details on exactly what this system does. It sounds to me like it's just something they'd use for first-down MEASUREMENTS rather than something that would help them SPOT the ball. The latter is the bigger issue, so I'm skeptical this will change much aside from cutting down the time to have the chain gang run out there once or twice a game.

[ChiefsFanatic]

Originally Posted by DaFace

I wish there were more details on exactly what this system does. It sounds to me like it's just something they'd use for first-down MEASUREMENTS rather than something that would help them SPOT the ball. The latter is the bigger issue, so I'm skeptical this will change much aside from cutting down the time to have the chain gang run out there once or twice a game.

Yeah, I think all this would eliminate is the chain gang, because unless the chip is tied to the video time stamp, I don't think they could use it any other way.

A system like this is looking at the ball, and would never be able to tell when a ball carrier is actually down. But, if it was tied to the clock, replay could tell the exact time the runner was down, and check the location at that exact time stamp. Right?

[Hog Rider]

Now we can trust computer software in the age of gambling instead of your lying eyes and HD cameras.

I hope they figure it out, but sounds like a fail to me. I can see it in specific situations, but don't feel it will be as accurate as a baseball strike zone.