The warning was introduced in the league’s early years to help teams manage the clock. But in the modern game it can be frustrating for fans and players
The Detroit Lions had just blocked a punt and appeared to be in business against the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon in a game with big playoff repercussions. But first the NFL and the Fox network had to take care of their business, and, as everyone well knows, the league and the networks come before the teams and the fans.
Brandon Copeland had given the Lions good field position by getting in the way of a Brad Wing punt. But the play happened with one minute and 53 seconds left in the second quarter, and – as has been the rule for at least 74 years – the game was stopped for the two-minute warning.
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