NFL Testing Electronic First Downs To Replace Chains
The Washington Post reported on Thursday that the NFL is testing a system of measuring first downs electronically rather than the old-fashioned chain system that has been traditionally used.
The electronic system would measure if a player reached the line to gain rather than depending on humans and the old system. The NFL is expected to gauge the interest of teams and owners to see if it's something to implement moving forward in live-action games.
The Post indicated that the new electronic system could be ready to use as early as next season, although Troy Vincent, the NFL executive vice president of football operations, said a 2025 release is probably more realistic.
Per Pro Football Talk, the system uses technology developed by Hawk-Eye, a computer vision system used to assist with tennis video replays, and would give officials an accurate read of the position of the ball and players on the field in review situations.
Other professional leagues are using similar technology already. In addition to tennis, some soccer leagues use cameras and trackers to determine offside penalties.
In this digital age, it seems the league would be excited about taking the human factor out of something in the game as important as first downs during a game, especially when something as antiquated as chains determine so much on the field.
