Plumbing

Proposed Rule Would Maintain Groups From Operating Into QB Points

The Detroit Lions want to make sure no one else gets into the same quarterback situation that the San Francisco 49ers faced in the NFC Championship Game.

You may remember — unless you’re a 49ers fan who blocked it like childhood trauma — but the 49ers were effectively running out of functioning quarterbacks in the game.

Starter Brock Purdy injured his throwing arm early in the game and was replaced by backup Josh Johnson. However, Johnson was knocked out of the game with a concussion. That meant Purdy was pushed back into action despite being unable to throw the ball.

That must have spooked the Lions because they were the ones who submitted the bylaws proposal and not the 49ers.

The Lions submitted a bylaw proposal that provides for an emergency QB. Each team could nominate a 3rd QB from either the inactive or the practice team that can be activated mid-game if the 2 active QBs have been locked out for the rest of the game.

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 13, 2023

Seems like a solid idea. Given how things have gone for San Francisco, it’s hard to believe any team would fight it. Eventually someone will find a loophole and exploit it, but for now it seems like a solid idea.

However, the NFL misses an opportunity to make headlines in a way that the NHL has mastered. Soccer needs its version of Ice Hockey Emergency Goalie or EBUG.

In this case, they must implement emergency backup quarterbacks or an EBUQ.

The San Francisco 49ers’ brutal QB carousel — particularly in the NFC Championship — could be grounds for a slight rule adjustment. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

The Lions’ proposal is fine, but the NFL needs EBUQs.

You should strictly follow the template of the NHL. In short, the home team would secure the services of a backup quarterback in case of an emergency. He can be used by either team if needed. It could be anyone. Someone who was playing QB at a D-II school back then, or maybe a plumber who plays semi-pro football on the weekends.

For most games, the EBUQ just sat in the press box and ate nachos. However, if a team has both QBs out, he can put down the nachos and spring into action.

If you know how it works in the NHL, it’s exciting to see a “normal guy” dress and play in the big leagues.

The only thing that would be more fun from a fan point of view would be some kind of sweepstakes system. At the stadium on game day, washed up high school and junior college QBs who want to show they still have it can throw their name in a bucket. Then, if necessary, we grab the bucket and select a fan to jump into the game.

There’s a higher chance that the chosen person’s football career hasn’t passed Pop Warner — or that they’re completely hammered — but at least the randomness would make things fair.

Whatever the league decides, this year’s NFC Championship was likely enough for most teams to want a safety net.

Just in case you find yourself in a similar situation.

Follow on Twitter: @Matt_Reigle

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