Yep, a lot of the newer rules are so subjective. They are also hard to interpret due to the speed of the game. I wonder if the officials are thinking too much?
I don't think the NFL favoring some teams over others is the reason for poor officiating. Too much money is involved to purposely taint games.
My biggest problem with a lot of the newer rules is the simple fact that they expect grown men, playing a violent game, moving at full speed... to basically defy the laws of physics.
If you are a defensive end and get past your blocker and have a free rush at the QB... you can:
- Remain upright and go in high, odds are your helmet hits their helmet.. flag
- Drop your helmet to avoid helmet to helmet, that's spearing.. flag
- Drop your head to the side and go shoulder square into them, driving them to the ground with you on top of them.. flag
- Go low from the waist down.. flag
- Grab them from behind and pull them down.. flag
And all of that is predicated on the fact that whatever you decide to do.... the QB isn't going to move a fraction of a second before you initiate contact because if he does... flag.
And I will not say that the NFL picks winners and losers by officiating.. but it sure does seem like they give benefit of the doubt to teams that are down to make games close.. makes for better viewing and more excitement.. sometimes that other team just happens to win.