The NFL's new tough stance on head hits

[Pappy13]

I find it interesting that guys like Channing Crowder and Brian Urlacher are saying the NFL's crackdown on head shots won't change the way they play and that James Harrison was contemplating retirement.

Perhaps that's because Crowder and Urlacher are trying to make tackles and Harrison is trying to hurt people by his own admission?

[Dave Gray]

I am okay with what they're trying to do at the league office.  If it doesn't work, they can loosen the penalties, but I think that they have to try something.  We're not used to guys being this big and this fast.  Someone is going to die on the field if they don't chill out.  I think that you can still hit hard, but not be a headhunter.

I'm fine with it.

[Sunstroke]

I'm fine with any rule change, or "rule focus" that is intended to help keep the players healthy...because when all is said and done, football really is just a game.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

If you watch the video the league sent to the team.  The rules really make sense (at least for me). 

[PhinsHelmetOnPenis]

 in 2 years it will be 2-hand touch. I don't want to see anyone get hurt but danger is part of the game. Soon it will no longer be football. dick nighttrain lane is rolling in his grave

[Sunstroke]

I don't want to see anyone get hurt but danger is part of the game.

Danger of paralysis or brain damage was "never" meant to be part of the game.

You can still get the monster highlight reel hits without slamming a dude in the head. That's what the rest of his body is there for.

You can also make a hell of a lot more hard tackles on a player without putting your head down and spearing him with your helmet. To quote scripture from the Book of Lombardi, Chapter 3, verse 10:

"And verily, God gave his Defender two arms and two shoulders, and bade him 'Go forth and wrap up the ballcarrier. Bear him to the sanctified ground in My name and await the whistle of angels before releasing him.'"

[Dave Gray]

In all of the cases over the last weekend, the ferociousness of the hits wasn't necessary to make a good football play.  I think that the league can take steps to ensure safety without nerfing a defensive player's ability to stop the play.  I think that where we need to take a closer look is during incidental contact, especially with over-protection of quarterbacks.

[Pappy13]

in 2 years it will be 2-hand touch.

I watched alot of football over the weekend and you know what, I couldn't tell the difference from the previous week.  And I looked hard for flags hanging from guys waist too!