Cleveland Browns: What constitutes a first down?

How first downs are really spotted

For NFL officials, it seems, the principle unwritten rule is: Never bring the chains out to measure a first down. All other actions by NFL officials regarding the ball evolve out of this basic standard. One major proof of this is how NFL officials spot first downs.

The reasons NFL officials don’t want to use the chain gang to measure first downs are twofold. First, it slows down the pace of the game bringing it to a grinding halt. Second, measurements cause controversy. Isn’t controversy the very reason you are reading this article?

Measurements are the place in the game where NFL officials have to make a judgment call. Judgment calls are exactly what the NFL is trying to keep officials from having to make. So, NFL officials have devised a system to prevent judgment calls. They prevent making judgment calls by how they spot first downs.

NFL officials always want to start a new series of downs on a clearly defined yard line. For example, let’s say the Browns start on the 25-yard line. Then running back Nick Chubb busts out a 12 and a half yard run. Chubb would be marked down on the 37 and a half yard line resulting in a first down. The NFL official seeing that it is a first down, will move the ball up to the 38-yard line and declare a first down.

By doing this, they keep the measurements simple. If the Browns can reach or surpass the 48-yard line, it is a first down. No measurement necessary (see that “new math” at work?). By placing the ball on well define yard lines, NFL officials can easily determine if the play resulted in a first down without the usage of the chain gang. Why don’t teams protest this?

"“Why? Simple. If a new series starts on the 36-yard line on a well-marked field, officials know the 46 is a first down. If a team makes 46½, the officials award the first down, and start the next series on the 47-yard line. Teams do not protest this. Starting a first down on a yard marker gives the offense a clear yard line to reach. To tell you the truth, most teams don’t even notice this.” – Mark Shultz, footballzebras.com"

I will say that I have been involved in football for over 35 years. I had no idea this was going on. But it makes sense why officials would do this. But if this is the way officials mark first downs, does this explain why penalties are never measured?