‘Can We Just Run the Chains Out?’ NFL Announcers Roast New Technology That Takes Way Too Long to Spot the Ball

The NFL on Thursday introduced new in-game technology that left a less-than-stellar first impression on Fox’s broadcast booth.

During Thursday’s preseason game between the New York Giants and Detroit Lions, a pass play in the second quarter was marked just shy of the first down marker. Due to how close it was, league officials deemed it the perfect opportunity to test its new way to measure yardage.

“So, tonight is one of the nights they’re using the laser Hawk-Eye measuring device,” Fox announcer Bob Papa said. “That’s why the chains are not coming out. They’re gonna use that in the preseason as they try to bring more technology into the sport.”

In theory, the system should be faster and more accurate than the traditional method that sees two officials tasked with coming onto the field with a 10-yard chain. In practice, however, it took several minutes and forced everyone in the stadium to awkwardly wait around for the verdict.

“Are we gonna use it if it takes this long?” analyst Phil Simms said.

“You know, can we just run the chains out?” Papa asked.

Analyst Carl Banks noted that the delay would have taken just as long as it would with the traditional method. Papa argued the new technology was taking even longer.

“Well, it’s preseason,” Simms said. “Try all the new stuff in the NFL. I understand.”

Finally, after more than three minutes, a graphic appeared on the stadium’s big screen displaying the ball’s precise location. It was indeed short of the first down.

Watch above via Fox.

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