Two weeks ago, the NBA changed one of its rules regarding end-of-quarter situations. Players who are attempting “any shot within the final 3 seconds of the first 3 quarters [that] is launched from at least 36 feet away on any play that starts in the backcourt” will no longer have misses go against their individual shooting percentage. The so-called “heave rule” should inspire players to take more long-distance shots when the clock is winding down.
Many fans — and analysts, such as Richard Jefferson — believe the adjustment is a farce. Peyton Manning didn’t outright say as much on ESPN’s Week 3 ManningCast, but we’re inclined to believe his feelings are in line with Jefferson’s. After explaining the change to his brother, Eli, Peyton proposed 5 “rule changes” of similar ilk for the NFL:
- Interceptions on Hail Mary’s shouldn’t count against QBs
- False Start/Offsides Equity within the 10-yard line
- Targets should not be an official statistic
- Batted Balls = Illegal!!!
- Cash Payments on the field for late hits
Eli interrupted Peyton after his mention of the first rule, asking if “you complete the Hail Mary, does it count as a touchdown [pass]?” Peyton said, “Yeah. Absolutely. That’s a stupid question; of course it does.” That would align with the NBA’s adjustment, so we don’t blame Peyton for following the same logic.
The next time you can catch Peyton and Eli chopping it up on the ManningCast is Monday, Oct. 6, when the Jacksonville Jaguars host the Kansas City Chiefs (ESPN2).
