Pass interference rule change unlikely after committee votes against proposal

Joe Flacco can breathe a big sigh of relief.

Just days after NFL executive vice president Troy Vincent said a potential rule change for pass interference penalties "had some momentum," it appears the proposal is headed for failure.

New York Giants co-owner and competition committee member John Mara said he supported the change but added not enough of his colleagues felt the same way.

"I don't think anything will happen on that," Mara said, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "I happen to be in the minority. I prefer the 15-yard penalty, but most people prefer (the current rule)."

Stephen Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, who is also on the competition committee, told The Washington Post that the proposal was voted down 6-2.

The NFL requires at least 24 team owners to sign off on a proposed rule change, so it's unlikely to get enough support after the competition committee's decision.

The proposal, which originated from the New York Jets, would make all defensive pass interference fouls a 15-yard penalty unless the contact is "intentional and egregious," which would instead be a spot foul.

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