Ravens coach John Harbaugh spoke passionately and confidently about the team's proposal to expand instant replay in March, saying that he felt it was only a matter of time before some of the organization's ideas were adopted.
Instant replay might soon undergo an overhaul, but any new system apparently won't be based on the Ravens' proposed model. Instead of trying to gain more support for their proposal at next week's league meetings in Charlotte, N.C., the organization has instead withdrawn it
The plan, which the Ravens had modified in recent weeks, garnered plenty of support around the league. However, it still faced opposition from a few significant NFL officials and competition committee members.
League owners had voted to table the Ravens' plan at NFL meetings in March. The NFL competition committee is expected to accelerate discussions on alterations to the replay system next week.
Under the Ravens' proposal, only eight potential penalties, including offense and defensive holding and offensive and defensive pass interference, would not have been reviewable. Harbaugh said the change would clear up confusion among coaches, players and fans emanating from the current replay system, which allows coaches to challenge 33 different plays.
"We're trying to get new fans all across the globe, and our rules need to be understandable, and the technology has outpaced the rulebook right now," Harbaugh said in March. "Our rule is just a simplification. It makes it easier for the fans. It makes it easier for the officials, for the coaches. Instead of 33 definitions and notes, there are eight. We're saying what's not reviewable, and what's not reviewable are the judgment calls."