The NFL recently announced that they will be adopting Hawk-Eye visual measurement for down markers next season. 

The move comes after an extremely controversial call in the Bills-Chiefs AFC Championship game, where Josh Allen looked like he crossed the first-down marker but was ruled short, even after review.  

The chain gang will not be fully neglected as they will become backup to Hawk-Eye if needed. The announcement makes a lot of sense. Not only is it efficient, but it does not take away as much of a physical, palpable part of football. 

The MLB’s new ABS system has many baseball fans furious, as it’s just one domino to start the chain of waning human umpires out of baseball. On the other hand, with football, the chain gang isn’t as essential of a crew when it comes to the game itself – Hawk-Eye should be able to help NFL games run smoother and prevent any future controversial calls. The physical aspects of football still remain the same – referees still have to place the ball and throw flags. The addition of virtual down markers just makes the game slightly more efficient. 

Bills fans are definitely happy to hear the news, albeit that it will be put into practice the season after another heartbreak for them.  

Hawk-Eye is yet another technological advancement for sports. Many games are becoming less humanized and “more efficient.” The worry that in a few years referees will not even be needed for football games is prevalent, but for now football should be in a good spot with the adoption of virtual measurement for first downs. 

For purist football fans, Hawk-Eye’s usage next season might be concerning, but could also be a necessary means to an end in preventing questionable calls. 

Cover image via SBNation