NFL Rule Changes

[Landshark]

Low man wins. Period. If the rule penalized using the head as a battering ram, then there wouldn't be complaints. A running back lowers his head to reduce his tackling zone. Also to prevent injury. Get ready for lots of 1st & 22's.

I'm guessing this rule was enacted because of the licking that Pollard laid on Ridley in the AFC title game.

[el diablo]

On the contrary. Riddley was the one who initiated contact. Pollard was trying to avoid his head altogether.

[Landshark]

On the contrary. Riddley was the one who initiated contact. Pollard was trying to avoid his head altogether.

You're right, but it doesn't change the end result.  The NFL is trying to prevent future happenstances

[el diablo]

And you're right. We're inching ever closer to professional flag football. Or what they had on the Jetsons.

[Phishfan]

^^^ I hate hearing that lame story. They are trying to take away the helmet being used as a weapon and it is turning the game into flag football? I just don't see the equation. I played hundreds of games of backyard, tackle football where we hit each other full speed without pads. No one used their head because we didn't use helmets. There is no pussification in this move at all. The pussification, if you want to hear it from me, happened when they put the pads on all these guys.

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

^^^ I hate hearing that lame story. They are trying to take away the helmet being used as a weapon and it is turning the game into flag football? I just don't see the equation. I played hundreds of games of backyard, tackle football where we hit each other full speed without pads. No one used their head because we didn't use helmets. There is no pussification in this move at all. The pussification, if you want to hear it from me, happened when they put the pads on all these guys.

I would agree.  Get rid of the helmets and pads and play rugby style and the injuries will go down. 

[dolphins4life]

Players are speaking out of both sides of their mouths on this. They want safety to be an issue but when moves are made to increase safety they complain. Using the crown of your helmet should be illegal as it is not a safe practice. Anyone who knows anything about player safety knows you are suppose to keep your eyes up while making contact. Hits to the head need to stop.

I can't blame the NFL for the rule change, given the concussion lawsuit

[Cathal]

I would agree.  Get rid of the helmets and pads and play rugby style and the injuries will go down. 

If injuries are up with pads and helmets then by playing rugby where you remove pads and injuries go down, then wouldn't that be a pussification by removing pads?