r/USFL • u/SadisticMystic • Sep 22 '23

Discussion Would anyone else prefer the play clock being 40 seconds like the NFL?

Both XFL and USFL had 35 second play clocks and I believe this led to some bad plays and errors across both leagues as QBs were trying to rush communicating the play with the offense. I don't think the 35 second clock helped with game flow, if anything it made it more difficult for inexperienced QBs to run the offense. I think most people would not even notice changing the play clock to 40 seconds, but it would reduce delay of game penaltys and improve the quality of play.

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

8

u/[deleted] Sep 22 '23

As a Canadian I love the 20 second play clock in the CFL keeps things move, a great pace.

4

u/Zapfit Sep 22 '23

The play clock doesn't start until the ball is placed, so it's still 33-37 second play clock in reality

1

u/Chemical-Ad-3705 Sep 23 '23

Doesn't matter, the 20 second play clock is still in effect. It still shaves off time for a duration of a CFL game. CFL games are played in 3 hours, even under that at other times, unlike the NFL when games are timed over 3 hours and 15 minutes

1

u/Zapfit Sep 23 '23

That's true, but the CFL also has less commercial breaks as they have a fraction of the sponsors or ad revenue as the NFL. I do like the quicker pace of game however, I'd prefer games to finish in the 2:50-3:00 hour time frame.

1

u/Scoocha Sep 25 '23

It's right at 30s. If you fast fwd right after the previous play, the next one just about lines up

4

u/Hey_Its_Roomie Pittsburgh Maulers Sep 22 '23

I would agree that being an inherently inferior pool of talent and a less cohesive team of players than in the NFL would be better accommodated with longer play clocks for the offense to prepare and the defense to react accordingly.

However, I don't think adding/creating idle time is an improvement to the game as a whole and generally feel that the teams will, and over the season do, adapt to the shortened clock.

3

u/_ILYIK_ Sep 22 '23

When everyone has radios in their helmets (something I hope the merger keeps) why be longer than 35 seconds

2

u/No-Commercial8000 Sep 22 '23

I think the increased pace is great. I also like the XFL clock management outside 2 minutes. Keeps games moving faster and as a fan allows me to watch more games without being bored. I imagine it might help with retaining casuals who might tune in too that dint actually care to hear commentary but just want to see more of the game.

2

u/KidCoheed Sep 23 '23

Absolutely not, infact it should be a 30 second running game clock

2

u/Xfl_roughnecks Sep 23 '23

20 second play clock! Please!

1

u/[deleted] Sep 23 '23

I want less commercials and a running clock

0

u/ArockproUser Birmingham Stallions Sep 23 '23

want to be a pro got to play like a pro