As the NFL prepares to inevitably change a rule that never should have been put in place, let’s not forget that Lions coach Jim Schwartz knew the rule and nevertheless violated it.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, who benefited six days ago from the rule that wipes out replay review if a coach asks for one when one is automatic, explained on Friday that coaches are reminded before every game to not throw the red flag after touchdowns or turnovers.
“They make a point of telling you before the game, on turnovers and scoring plays, you can’t throw the flag,” Whisenhunt said, via Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.
Still, Schwartz did it, even though Falcons coach Mike Smith had done it only four days earlier. While it’s highly unlikely any coach will do it going forward, the best approach would be to hand the flag over to someone who both knows the rule and won’t be prone to make an emotional decision when a horrible call is made.
