Shawn Hochuli, Sean McVay downplay new language aimed at “cheat motion”

The NFL recently posted its 2024 rule book. As we usually do (unless we forget), we scrolled through it searching for new language.The league helps that process by changing the text of the new language from black to red. And one new sentence in red caught my eye: "Any eligible backfield player who changes his stance does not have to come to a complete stop prior to the snap, as long as his actions are not abrupt (false start) or forward (illegal motion)."The sentence was added to the existing language regarding pre-snap action of eligible receivers. It prompted me to ask someone who would know the reason for the addition. And the message was clear - it's a reaction to the "speed motion" (also known as "cheat motion") by teams like the Dolphins, 49ers, and Rams.So we wrote it up and posted it. And it created a bit of a stir.Both referee Shawn Hochuli (who was working with the Rams on Thursday) and Rams coach Sean McVay downplayed the new language."Nothing has changed with how we are going to officiate that," Hochuli said, via Jordan Rodrique of TheAthletic.com. "If you start to move forward before the snap, then it's gonna be an illegal motion. Nothing has changed."Said McVay: "As...