NFL fans got their first glimpse at the future of first-down calling Thursday night.
And they immediately demanded “bring back the chain gang.”
ReutersThe NFL debuted a new way of measuring first downs this week[/caption] GettyThe chain gang used to be called on to determine whether a first down had been reached[/caption] The virtual measurement system was used for the first time ThursdayNFL / NBCIntroducing the new virtual measurement system for first downs, which allows the NFL to accurately and efficiently measure the distance between the spotted ball and the line to gain. pic.twitter.com/QvlsSmWnSo
— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025The league’s new virtual measurement system was unveiled at the Hall of Fame game.
The Detroit Lions took on the Los Angeles Chargers in Canton, Ohio on Thursday.
And the start of preseason saw a debut for a new way of determining first downs.
Previously, officials with chains ran out on the field to measure whether the first-down mark has been reached.
But the new way of measuring was rolled out in the Lions-Chargers clash.
During the first half, Lions running back Craig Reynolds pulled off a 10-yard run.
The ball was still placed on the field by officials where they believe the play ended.
And the players and refs then waited for the virtual management system’s determination.
A graphic then flashed up on screen showing the ball and the line to gain.
And it clearly determined that a first down had been achieved.
But it meant there was no need for manual chain measuring.
Fans watching missed the drama of seeing officials run onto the field to measure with players gathered round.
One said, “A virtual measurement? Bring back the chain gang.”
Another posted, “Chain Gang shouldn’t have been replaced by technology like this.”
While a third asked, “Is nothing sacred?”
NFL WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
(All times ET)
Thur 4 Sept8.20 pm – Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
Fri 5 Sept8pm – Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
Sun 7 Sept1pm – Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons1pm – Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns1pm – Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts1pm – Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots1pm – Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints1pm – Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets1pm – New York Giants at Washington Commanders1pm – Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars4.05 pm – Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos4.05 pm – San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks4.25 pm – Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers4.25 pm – Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams8.20 pm – Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Mon 8 Sept8.15 pm – Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
The NFL announced in April that it would begin using the virtual system.
It uses Hawk-Eye technology with six cameras judging the ball’s position on the field.
The league believes the virtual system will be more accurate and efficient than the past.
“Introducing the new virtual measurement system for first downs,” they wrote.
“It allows the NFL to accurately and efficiently measure the distance between the spotted ball and the line to gain.”
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