PHOENIX -- The challenge to beat the New England Patriots might have just gotten a little easier for the Indianapolis Colts, who have lost four straight to them in the Andrew Luck era.

I know that’s wishful thinking, but NFL teams did vote on how teams use ineligible receivers during games.

Now players who report into the game as an ineligible receiver must line up inside the tackle box, according to Competition Committee co-chair Rich McKay.

The Patriots caused problems the Baltimore Ravens and then the Colts on defense when it came to using an ineligible receiver during playoff games.

The Patriots used an ineligible receiver against the Colts three times in the AFC Championship game in January. Teams will be given an illegal substitution penalty for violating that rule.

A decision to change the rule simplifies things for opposing defenses.