Aug 15, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; Chain crew members walk on the field prior to the game between the Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Days are numbered for the familiar refrain of "that'll move the chains" during NFL games.
Beginning this upcoming season, the league will utilize "Hawk-Eye virtual measurement" to determine whether a spotted ball resulted in a first down. NFL executive vice president of football operations (and ex-Eagles star) Troy Vincent delivered the news to reporters on Wednesday.
Chain gangs, at least for now, will still work the sidelines as a backup measurement system.
Among the interesting items from an NFL football ops session with media: the Hawk-Eye virtual measurement for line to gain is slated to replace the chains as the primary measurement system for the regular season in 2025.
The chain gang will remain on sidelines as a backup. pic.twitter.com/v9exggobVc
The Hawk-Eye system will still require an on-field official to determine the spot of the ball. (This isn't the "chip-in-football" technology that some would like to see implemented to determine spots.) But once the ball is spotted, the Hawk-Eye system is expected to provide a precise measurement of the distance needed for a first down.
Vincent said that the NFL is also considering "expanded replay assist" for flags thrown live, and that there's a "universal consensus" to change the rules related to onside kicks in some manner.
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