The USFL wants to create the perfect spring football product. Whoever reaches the ball first gets the possession. If untouched, the kick becomes dead, and the ball belongs to the receiving team at that spot. The concept is simple: If the game is tied after regulation, the teams will alternate 2-point conversion attempts from the 2-yard line in a best-of-three. Players on the active rosters will earn $4,500 per week, Woods told al.com earlier this year, and will also have the opportunity to earn bonuses based on games won. Additionally, the ball must clear the 20-yard line in the air for the kick to be considered legal. Additionally, if a team attempts a 3-point conversion and it is returned for a score by the other team, the return is worth only two points. Below you will find some USFL rules that I think could make big impacts in the game, and in fantasy points! If they come up short, the opposing team will take possession. In the XFL's previous iteration, it was uncommon to see a team attempt a 3-point try unless they were trailing big. Brian Woods, the founder and CEO of The Spring League from 2017 to 2021 and a co-founder of the new USFL, will serve as the league's President of Football Operations. In an interview this week, USFL executive vice president of football operations Daryl Johnston said he expects the league to "be ahead of the curve" by the time the XFL gets back on the field. According to the league, this should create more offensive plays during the end of each half while "adding excitement before halftime and at the end of the game.". When you're talking about Fox and NBC as partners, I don't think there is a way for the XFL to match what we have created there in the ability to broadcast the USFL into television for the fans. USFL teams will be allowed to attempt traditional onside kicks if they desire, but there is an alternative. Punts will, generally, be the same in the USFL as they are in the NFL, but with one small difference. Interference could occur 25 yards downfield but still be only a 15-yard walkoff. Some USFL rules that will be different from the traditional NFL game include: Our NFL Draft Day Predictor. . Equipment Manager Andrew Skwara (Birmingham Stallions), Interview with New Orleans Breakers QB Aqeel Glass, Talking with Tony Paul (The Detroit News) | USFL Podcast Interview. Instead, they identified a pool of 1,000 players who are at least one year removed from college football but for the most part have some professional experience, either in NFL camps or other spring leagues. For more information, visithttp://USFL2.comand follow us onTwitter,Facebook, andInstagram. USFL referees are supervised by former NFL officiating chief and current Fox Sports analyst Mike Pereira, and the league is using officials who are part of the NFL's officiating development program. Second, it hopes to leverage the resources of its owner to create a unique television product. XFL teams will still have the opportunity to attempt an onside kick if they so desire. All kickoffs will be from the 25-yard line. The four rules listed above mark the biggest differences between the XFL and NFL. It lasted only one year following its inception and went on an almost two-decade-long break. Ravens GM says he covets QBs, Colts GM pins moving up to 'guy worthy of it', McCarthy: 'New voice' calling plays will help Dak, Out of dark, Rodgers vows decision coming soon, Survey: Vikes, Fins, Raiders top FA report cards, Judge OK's some Flores claims vs. NFL for court, Chargers GM halts speculation: Allen staying put. That creates a play that looks something like this: This rule makes kickoffs a bit safer by design, as the collisions between blockers and potential tacklers will not be as large. To add excitement and trick-play potential to USFL games, teams will be allowed to throw two forward passes from behind the line of scrimmage. This change will theoretically create more offensive plays during the contest. Johnston worked with both the AAF in 2019 and the XFL in 2020 and he said those leagues proved that demand exists for spring football, both from fans and player interest. Saturday's opener, in fact, will be simulcast by Fox, NBC and Peacock in what the USFL said will be the first scheduled sports competition to be aired simultaneously by competitors since NBC and CBS both televised Super Bowl I in January 1967. Meanwhile, the XFL is newer, founded in 2001. "The first game played in any new league is itself historical, and having the USFLs inaugural game simulcast by NBC and FOX makes it even more so," said FOX Sports CEO and Executive ProducerEric Shanks. Some franchises were put in a tough spot when significant players got injured. The NFL currently uses a 40-second play clock, so this change should, in theory, create more plays. Here's a rundown of some of the other notable rule differences between the USFL and the NFL. It was their biggest week to date by far. Effect: Fewer player injuries and fewer penalties. "You look at some things and say, for example, 'What if we have to kick off after a safety?'" The USFL doesn't make things too complicated, and a casual fan of the NCAA or NFL won't get lost following an USFL game. Here are the 2022 team names, all of which reference original USFL markets: The decision to use USFL branding and team names has not come without controversy. Jacob Camenker is a senior content producer at The Sporting News. Overtime will be a best of three-play shootout. Instead of an onside kick, a team can take 4th and 12 from the 33-yard line. Copyright 2023 Sporting News Holdings Limited. Reason: Increase big-play potential with more returned kickoffs rather than touchbacks. Let's say the product is the same on the field, which I think is going to be a challenge for them to be able to match us, but how do you then deliver that to the fan? Best remaining free agents | Grades All Rights Reserved. USFL wagering is legal in 27 states and Washington, D.C. (click here for the full list). Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these, USFL rules: 3-point conversions, two forward passes, and much more. No kicking team member may line up any further back than one yard, while the receiving team must have a minimum of eight players in the set-up zone between their 35- and 45-yard lines. I think this leads to higher scoring (more fantasy points) per game. Reason: Get the call right and achieve greater fairness. The only caveat is that the first forward pass must be. As the season marches forward, Pro Football Network has the latest news around the USFL. The set-up zone is located between the 35- and 45-yard lines. Defenders intentionally tackling receivers beyond 15 yards becomes a spot foul. In Week 4, Michigan Panthers head coach Jeff Fisher was the center of a shift in some USFL rules. Lets look at how the USFL is adapting its rules on the fly. It will either be a 15-yard penalty or a spot foul, depending on the criteria applied. Teams, Hub Cities, Schedule, and More, When Does the USFL Season Start in 2023? The league allows teams to throw two forward passes on one play. It is up to the coaches to decide which type of conversion to attempt. Here is a breakdown of some of the most significant ones that will become well-known in the circles of spring football fans. The USFL is drawing inspiration from college football and the NHL by holding shootouts to decide games. More NFL free agency coverage . The USFL's rules for 1- and 2-point attempts will differ slightly from those of the XFL and AAF. Each team will alternate offense from the two-yard line. One of the most notable differences between the USFL and the NFL is how the USFL will handle overtime. The top four teams will then play two semifinal playoff games, followed by the championship on July 3. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. A consortium headed by Dwayne Johnson purchased the league for a rumored $15 million. The line-to-gain is established by the sideline chains, but, 5 kickoff players on either side of the kicker, all players must have at least 1 foot within 5 yards of the kicking teams restraining line, The receiving team setup zone is 10 yards from the receivers restraining line (10-20 yards from the ball), and 8-9 players must be in the setup zone. The USFL was founded in 1982 and proceeded to have a three-year run before going on an indefinite hiatus. The 3-point attempt is the biggest difference between the USFL and NFL. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, How Curtis Johnsons Tulane Scheme Fits With The Houston Gamblers, BEST VALUE IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS USFL ANNOUNCES 2023 TICKET PRICES, McLeod Bethel-Thompson Jumps To USFL From CFL For 2023, New Jersey Generals 2023 USFL College Draft Deep Dive, Birmingham Stallions Are a Great Trade Fit For Aqeel Glass, Birmingham Stallions 2023 College Draft: An In-Depth Guide to Every Pick, USFL Draft Aftermath, Ticket Prices, McLeod Bethel-Thompson & more | USFL Podcast #48, 2023 USFL College Draft, Gamblers New Head Coach & Case Cookus Returns | USFL Podcast #47, USFL 2023 Schedule, Season 2 Rule Changes and more | USFL Podcast #46, Talking with Asst. No. Following a scoring play, teams can attempt a standard 25-yard-line onside kick or run the ball on fourth down and 12 from their 33-yard-line. Here are the the most notable changes the league revealed that will differ from its NFL counterpart. The only way it could be over 15 yards is if the defender "deliberately tackles the receiver". The USFL's rules for 1- and 2-point attempts will differ slightly from those of the XFL and AAF. In the NFL, however, the teams are owned by a franchise system and paid separately, independent of the matches they play in the system. The NFL experimented with this rule change during the Pro Bowl in 2022. "We've had some practices with pads on. That comes at a great time, as the most popular American football league, the NFL, is on a break. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for kids under the age of 15. This should give teams a significantly better chance of a comeback than an onside kick, which should give us a significantly better chance of overtime fantasy points! Games will be played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Scoring teams will have three options to attempt extra points. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Answering big Round 1 questions First down measurements that are more accurate than ever ), But after the AAF folded because of a cash shortage, and the XFL shuttered at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnston said getting through a full season will be the most significant marker. Teams are allowed to throw the ball forward twice so long as the first pass is completed behind the line of scrimmage. Game timing:The USFL will utilize a 35-second play clock and a 25-second clock after administrative stoppages. After unveiling its overtime format via Twitter, the USFL highlighted a difference from the NFL in its timing rules. This is to dissuade defenders from intentionally grabbing receivers to prevent big plays, though it won't eliminate the practice entirely. That's our definition of success.". MORE: Full 45-man rosters for each USFL team. When significant players got injured safety? ' from those of the notable! 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