Describing how challenges work in the NFL is like unravelling a big puzzle. To start, I’ll break it down like this: It’s a process of looking at the game from the sidelines with a sort of microscope, but on a massive scale. We are witnessing an amalgamation of minds, athletes and rules—and it’s no wonder the challenge process has been so popular.
When it comes to challenges, the referee is the ultimate adjudicator. He or she is the only one with the power to stop play or overturn a call during game time. Depending on the situation, the referee can choose to throw a penalty flag to signify a challenge. After the referee makes a call on the field, either coach can challenge the play. It costs a team a time-out, and the team must have at least one time-out left. If the play is challenged, the NFL’s instant replay analyst will review the play. If the review confirms that the referee’s judgment was wrong, the teams will go back to the play, as it originally occurred, and the result of the rest of the play can be completed by the teams.
It’s important to note that not all plays can be challenged. Fumbles and interceptions, when a player drops the ball, are not eligible for a challenge. Also, scoring plays cannot be challenged unless the referee has indicated that the play is under review already. And, of course, all challenges must be overturned within a certain amount of time, typically 60-90 seconds.
If a coach believes a call is incorrect, they can take the risk to challenge the play. But, if their challenge is unsuccessful, they will lose one of their three-time-outs. They must weigh the pros and cons of challenging, and it can be a risky move. It takes great skill and composure to understand when to challenge, and it is a difficult decision to make in the heat of the moment.
Ideally, coaches also want to consider the opposing team’s strengths and weaknesses. Analysing their strengths and weaknesses in comparison to the challenge opportunity can help coaches decide if a challenge is indeed worth it. Additionally, coaches who feel confident in their team’s abilities may decide to challenge multiple plays in a game, while coaches who lack confidence may decide to nonchalantly pass up a challenge.
If a coach decide to challenge the play, it can be extremely nerve-wracking for all of the team’s players, coaches, and fans in the stadium. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, with anticipation, doubts, and, finally, elation (or disappointment) when the referee’s call is overturned or upheld. Challenges can make or break a game, and how teams evaluate risk and reward plays a crucial role in their success or failure.
No matter how difficult challenges can be, I believe they are a highly effective way of evaluating the accuracy of a referee’s call and ensuring fairness in the game. It’s a powerful tool to ensure the accuracy of a play. And although teams can run out of time-outs if not managed well, challenges can be safely used by coaching staff as long as they make informed decisions.
Coaches also need to remember to pick their battles. Why spend the precious resource (i.e. a time-out) if the chance of overturning the call is low? Ultimately, only the coach knows if it’s worth making a challenge or not. What do you think? Would you make the challenge?