Radio helmet communication between quarterbacks and offensive tackles will be used by four undetermined teams during a preseason experiment to overcome crowd noise.
Saints President Jim Finks, chairman of the Competition Committee, said there is ”no chance” the experiment could carry over into the 1992 season.
Previous tests with radio helmets failed because of interference from ambulance and taxi signals, noted Miami coach Don Shula.
A suggestion to use an amplifying device instead of a radio lost because it required a pack the size of a brick to be strapped to the quarterback`s back. If the radio experiment works, it will allow offensive linemen to hear the snap count without having to look at the ball and away from the pass rusher.
Shorter tee: To encourage more kickoff returns, the NFL will experiment with a one-inch kicking tee during the first preseason weekend. A proposal to move kickoffs from the 35-yard line to the 30 was rejected.
Declaration day: In response to complaints from college coaches, the league moved up the date for underclassmen to declare for the draft from Feb. 1 to Jan. 15. NFL coaches will make a video encouraging underclassmen to stay in school.