Simple fix, just extend all out of bounds lines by 6-12 inches then you would have to worry about it. I luvs the interwebs.
I don't think the lack of the rule really hurts the game at all. The problem with the force-out rule is that there were too many "catches" being awarded when the defender was merely making a defensive play to try and dislodge the ball and it was not determinable (and in some cases highly unlikely) whether the receiver would have landed in bounds with both feet inside had he not been "nudged." The rule basically was punishing defenders for sticking close enough to their man on the sidelines. I agree that the rule or the lack of the rule creates somewhat of an advantage for either side, but when you think about it, the defensive back already has the hardest job on the field and illegal contact and pass interference rules don't make his job any easier. If you don't want to get pushed out of bounds, don't run a route tip-toeing on the line. Now this rule really comes into play once you talk about being in the end zone, because there is already precious little real estate and guys trying to fly across limited space at break neck speed and then coming to a sudden halt to try and corral the ball and land in the field of play. The bottom line is the receiver's job is to get adequate separation from the defender in able to catch the ball, sideline plays always run the risk of not ending up in bounds... but teams will still do it to take advantage of single coverage and eliminate having to deal with safeties lurking over the middle.
Very good rule change. It simply narrows the field of play slightly, takes away the judgment aspect from the refs and offenses should adjust to it. Very simple.
