NFL's Replacement Refs Plan: Higher Penalties Ahead?

0:00It's March 30, NFL news today starts now, AI powered and always on. The NFL is hitting a snag and talks for a new deal with the referees' union, with the current agreement expiring on May 31st. At recent league meetings, they greenlit plans to bring in replacement rests from college football if things fall through. Unlike the 2012 lockout where they waited until July to scramble for backups, the league is getting ahead this time. Officials say it's smart planning to avoid any mess. No panic moves needed. Back in 2012, those replacement crews worked the first three weeks and threw way more flags than usual. Weeks one through three saw the highest penalty counts and yardage of the season, tripping up teams left and right. Now eyes are on the Buffalo Bills and their new defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard, who just came over from Denver. That Broncos' defense he helped run last year led the league with 54 penalties and over 600 yards, especially on pass interference.

1:00If a lockout stretches into the 20-26 season, aggressive units like Buffalo's will have to dial back plays to dodge those extra whistles and keep their edge intact.