IMO, there are *so many* DPI calls that are being missed/uncalled by the refs.
These missed calls generally occur when the QB is throwing deep...arguably, the most exciting play in FB, because it involves a major degree of uncertainty: will he or won't he? Will he make the catch or will he drop it? Or have it tipped away? Or intercepted? So many possibilities. The one I jump to now, after years of conditioning, is "how badly is this poor bastid going to get mugged while the ref stuffs the flag up his b hole?"
Sadly, that is what happens about 50% of the time, based on the plays I've watched this year. The apologistas in the booth like Herbqueef will brush off the blatant interference as mere "hand fighting", knowing that flags will certainly boost the number of death threats the DBs receive, and one of these days somebody will carry out their threat. The refs will get death threats whether they throw the flag or not...degenerate gamblers gonna degenerate.
Personally, I rue the demise of the deep ball from the game. Completing a bomb is pretty magical. The pay off of actually completing the pass and then dealing with the pursuing DBs produces some of the highest decibel levels during a FB game. And they serve to keep the D honest. Put 8 on the LOS and man up the 3 most dangerous eligibles? That's a gamble...but the odds grossly shift in the D's favor if the DB is allowed to turn every pass into one that must be caught with one hand only (or in the case of the coaching BYU DBs get, your chin and your upper chest).
Throwing the flag when a defender interferes with the receiver's ability 1) to get to the ball and/or 2) to raise/extend one or both hands to catch the ball certainly makes it hard to play defense.
What would be the D's options if the refs started calling DPI consistent with the general understanding of what it means to "interfere with basic movements associated with catching a pass"?
Option 1: play the same way. Use the same cushions. Recognize that a lot of drives will be extended by 15-yard penalties. Eventually find DBs who can play the position without fouling. But that may be next year. Will you still have a job?
Option 2: Play alignments that discourage teams from throwing the deep ball. Emphasize having your DBs stay on the top shoulder of the WR...even if that opens up high % "come back" route conversions, and more "easy access" WR bubble screens to take advantage of more generous cushions. Most Ds will face a "death by a 1000 cuts" challenge game after game. The symbolism of defense will shift from a Fence or a Wall and morph instead into a Speed Bump. "Last guy with the ball wins"...which would make football a game of clock management. Good for fan engagement! Fans are never short of opinions about clock (or bullpen) management.
What kind of world would you prefer to live in?