Why does the clock stop on incomplete passes?
For teams that are behind late in a game, a dropped twenty yard pass is usually better than an eight yard run. This makes no sense.
Each team has 12 game balls. There is no need to retrieve the dropped ball. Just station a ball boy on the line of scrimmage with a fresh ball and have him toss it back to a line judge/referee the second the whistle blows on an incomplete pass. The spot will be exactly the same as the previous play so 35 seconds is perfectly adequate for the offense and defense to reset. Yes, wide receivers/ tight ends and cornerbacks/ safeties will have to hurry back to the line but I actually think that would be a good thing.
I know the rule increases the likelihood of a come from behind 2 minute drill type drive. That said, the rule turns passing from a high risk/ high reward play into a low risk/ high reward play.
I like football but it is so micromanaged by the coaches and referees that the game has no flow whatsoever.
I'm fine with stopping the clock on going out of bounds as that rewards successfully moving the ball.