re: The slowdown rule does NOT affect only a couple of plays per game

DCs should just learn to move the personel around better. The rule will not really allow for substitutions anyway because it is unreasonable to think a DC can size up a formation, call for a substitution and have the player in place in 10 seconds. What this rule change is really about is those few plays a game where the DCs don't have the time to shift alignment and move players around. Those few plays a game where they don't have time to react and strategize.

I bet most of them didn't even realize that there were only an average of 5-6 plays a game where the ball was snapped before 10 seconds. However, they always have the thought in their mind that it could be and that makes them fearful of moving guys around and getting caught in transition. So most often, they just roll with the obvious mis-match or burn a timeout. Make no mistake, this rule is simply about certain coaches wanting that GUARaNTEED 10 seconds to shift alignments and personnel ALREADY on the field.

The substitution and safety thing was just the best way to try and get the rule to pass.