The Patriots have been pulling a fast one on opposing teams during field goal attempts with an optical illusion on their video board, and the NFL has officially confirmed it is perfectly legal. This isn’t some new, sneaky move; it’s a tactic they’ve used, and it’s still good to go under the current rules.
The Trick Play Nobody Noticed Until Now
Former NFL analytics coach Ryan Paganetti was the one who recently blew the whistle, pointing out how New England crafts this advantage. It’s a subtle optical illusion on the giant screen designed to mess with kickers and special teams. You gotta wonder how many games this kind of mental edge has influenced over the years, huh?
The Rule Book Says It’s OK
Ben Volin from the Boston Globe got the scoop directly from the league, with the NFL confirming on Monday that this falls squarely within their policy. The rule explicitly states: “Video During Kicks , All video and ribbon boards must show either a static image (e.g., no flashing images, blinking effects, moving text/images, etc.) or an All-22 view (e.g., high sideline, high end zone, etc.) during field goal attempts and extra-point attempts. Any flashing, moving, or blinking text/images displayed on video boards or ribbon boards during field goal attempts and extra points are considered a violation of this policy. The prohibition will begin when the kicking team reaches the line of scrimmage and continues through the signal by the Game Officials following the kick.” The Patriots’ trick apparently navigates this tightrope without breaking any rules.
Former Patriots rules and strategy guru Ernie Adams, a true savant when it comes to this stuff, clearly loves the perception this whole thing creates. He told Volin that “if nothing else, we are deep into other people’s heads many years later.” That’s the real genius right there, getting into the opponents’ heads without technically cheating.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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