INDIANAPOLIS — The “Mike Shanahan Call” will live on.
A trend last season started by the Broncos coach — calling a timeout at the end of the half of a game just before the snap on a field-goal attempt — has been scrutinized by the NFL competition committee. Yet members don’t expect the rule to change, although it will be discussed at the NFL owners’ meetings in late March.
“I believe it will be allowed in the future,” Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay and competition committee member said Thursday. “Coaches will have the ability to continue to call timeouts in that situation.”
Shanahan popularized the move in Week 2 when he called a timeout right before a snap against the Oakland Raiders in overtime. Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski hit the would-be game-winner but it was nullified by the timeout. Janikowski missed the ensuing attempt and Denver went on to win the game.
In a November game against the Titans, the plan backfired on Shanahan at the end of the first half. Tennessee missed the first try but Shanahan’s timeout gave them a second chance, which was converted. McKay and Titans coach Jeff Fisher, also on the committee, said the backfire cooled off the idea.
Bill Williamson: 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
