The New England Patriots have long been known for pushing the boundaries of gamesmanship, and their latest tactic has fans and opponents buzzing. It turns out the team has been using a clever optical illusion on the video board at Gillette Stadium to mess with opposing kickers during field goal attempts. And according to the NFL, it's perfectly legal.
The trick, which was recently highlighted on social media, involves displaying a live feed of the field goal attempt on the big screen while the opposing kicker is lining up. This creates a visual distraction that can throw off a kicker's concentration. While it's certainly sneaky, the league has confirmed that it does not violate any rules.
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe dug into the NFL rulebook and found the specific language that allows this tactic. The rule states that all video and ribbon boards must show either a static image or an All-22 view during field goal and extra-point attempts. It prohibits flashing, moving, or blinking text and images, but a static or All-22 view is perfectly acceptable. Since the Patriots' video board shows a live feed of the kick, it falls within the rules.
The Patriots reportedly started using this tactic years ago, when Stephen Gostkowski was their kicker. They realized that showing a screen of the field goal during an attempt could unsettle the opposing kicker. So, they keep the screen blank when their own kicker is on the field, but turn it on when the opponent is trying to kick.
There's evidence that Gillette Stadium has been kinder to home kickers than visitors, but it's hard to say if the optical illusion is the reason. Still, the tactic has raised eyebrows across the league, and some are wondering if it's only a matter of time before other teams adopt it or push for a rule change.
The situation echoes other recent controversies in sports, like the debate over Curacao's tactics in the LLWS title game and the unethical behavior debate sparked by South Korea's bunting. In each case, teams are finding ways to gain an edge within the rules, even if it doesn't sit well with everyone.
As the NFL season progresses, it will be interesting to see if more teams start using similar tactics or if the league steps in to close this loophole. For now, the Patriots can keep their sneaky trick, knowing that the rulebook is on their side.
For now, the Patriots can keep their sneaky trick, knowing that the rulebook is on their side. And if you're an opposing kicker heading to Foxborough, you might want to prepare for a little visual gamesmanship.
