Camera-based technology to determine first downs in NFL starting next season

It might be too little, too late for Buffalo Bills fans.

The NFL is set to introduce camera-based technology that will measure first downs for next season, the league announced on Tuesday.

Chain gangs will remain in place in a secondary role.

The new method centres around Sony’s Hawk-Eye technology, which is also used in tennis. A series of 8k cameras will determine the ball position on the field of play.

Previously, sideline officials holding chains would walk onto the field and manually measure whether any part of the ball was touching the line to gain.

The NFL said in a release the cameras are “an efficient alternative.”

“Combining the art of officiating with Sony’s trusted Hawk-Eye system is a healthy recipe for success in our commitment to raising the standards of accuracy, consistency and efficiency. Replay technology and data-driven insights from Sony’s Hawk-Eye Innovations aid us in advancing our efforts toward the future of football,” said NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent.

If in place last season, the Super Bowl might have looked a lot different.

The AFC championship between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills turned on a play when QB Josh Allen was ruled short on a fourth-down rushing attempt in the fourth quarter from the Kansas City 41-yard line.

Buffalo led 22-21 at the time, but the Chiefs took advantage of the turnover on downs and scored the go-ahead touchdown en route to a 32-29 victory.

Allen’s sneak attempt caused controversy as various replayed appeared to show the big QB reaching the line to gain. But refs ruled him short, and upheld the call even upon review.

Now, Hawk-Eye should have the final say.

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