The NFL tested a new experiment this past weekend during a preseason contest between the Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams allowing both teams to use in-game video on Microsoft Surface Pro 3 tablets. NFL fans may have noticed throughout the 2014 season utilization of the blue tablets by coaches and players, however only still frame photos were permitted on these.
Players from both teams and both sides of the ball provided positive feedback on use of sideline videos with tablets, allowing for teams to better assess in game schemes, strategies and player performance. If the popularity among players is any indication on implementation, it is likely you’ll see this used on sidelines soon and not to allegedly watch Netflix.
In a post-game interview with Colts Reporter Steve Andress, Colts offensive line Joe Reitz stated:
“I think what we all liked was you can see in real time what’s going on, instead of flipping through pages of pictures.” Also, veteran Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson stated, “Now the fact that the video is there, you can see the entire play, it makes grading a play a lot easier, and is a lot cleaner to clean up plays if we need to.”
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Although, no one from the coaching staff of the Colts or Rams provided comment, Rams’ Head Coach Jeff Fisher does serve on the NFL’s Competition Committee and volunteered as one of the host sites for the in-game video trial run. This preseason has seen 10 total games test out the new use of tablets which was originally unveiled during the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl.
The NFL will also see new use of the Surface Pro tablets with things like instant replay and reviewing plays from the referees. This continues the fruitful relationship the NFL has with Microsoft including the development of the new NFL Experience App available this fall in an effort to make not only improvements for the players and coaches, but for fans as well. The use of technology will only be further integrated in America’s most watched sport with these partnerships.