Jerry Jones has won the battle for this year in the controversy over the video board. Roger Goodell and the NFL announced the new rules for what happens when a punt strikes the board during a game.
1. If a ball in play strikes a video board, guide wire, sky cam, or any other object, the ball will be dead immediately, and the down will be replayed at the previous spot.
2. If there is not an on-field ruling that the ball struck an object, the Replay Assistant is empowered to initiate a booth review, including if the event occurs prior to the two-minute warning. If, prior to the two-minute warning, no booth review is initiated by the Replay Assistant, a coach's challenge is permitted under the customary procedures for such a challenge.
3. In the event the down is replayed: (a) The game clock will be reset to the time remaining when the snap occurred. (b) All penalties will be disregarded, except for personal fouls which will be administered prior to replaying the down.
Goodell also said the Cowboys (read Jerry Jones) have been very cooperative in this process.
"We will continue to address the particular circumstances in Dallas, giving full consideration to the competitive, safety and fan experience issues involved," Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the news release. "The Cowboys have been fully cooperative as we have addressed this subject, and we will continue to work closely with the club on a longer term resolution."
This should be interesting. Punting strategies will now become a bid deal in Big D. We know McBriar says he's already cool with it, but visiting teams will be spending time in warmups dealing with the Jerrytron.