The NFL needs to change it's name to the NFFL - National Flag Football League. Last time I checked, the NFL was a full contact sport, right?
Today the NFL announced that it would start suspending players for "flagrant hits" which would result in hitting a offensive player above the shoulder pads. The rule mainly pertains to "defenseless" wide receivers, as the NFL rule states:
"If a receiver has completed a catch and has not had time to protect himself, a defensive player is prohibited from launching (springing forward and upward) into him in a way that causes the defensive player's helmet, facemask, shoulder, or forearm to forcibly strike the receiver's head or neck area -- even if the initial contact of the defender's helmet, facemask, shoulder, or forearm is lower than the receiver's neck."
So defenders need to allow the receiver to catch the ball, allow him to land while securing the ball, and then gently bring him to the ground. Basically this is giving a huge edge to receivers. One of the best ways to defend a pass is to hit the guy as he is catching it which knocks the ball out.
Now you may be thinking to yourself, "That seems like a reasonable rule! They are protecting them from concussions." The problem is that even if you come close to a receivers head, you will most likely get flagged or fined. And with the new emphasis on this rule, referees are strongly encouraged to watch for this more and flag and eject players more often. A ref doesn't want to lose his job, so if a hit looks remotely close, he is throwing his flag.
I experienced this at a Hiram football game, where our defender hit a kid in the chest on a pass and was flagged 15 yards for a hit above the shoulder pads. The penalty gave them a first down and they ended up winning the game because of it. (Picture of that very hit is on the left).
The players know the risks they face when going out onto the field. That is why they get paid so much! What is next? Are they going to eliminate tackling the legs because that causes knee and ankle injuries? Those injuries can permanently effect players later in life just as much as a concussion or two, which is the main argument for those supporting these new rules.
Hell, the way they are going (these new rules, all the rules protecting QB's, etc.), we might not have football any longer. And without football, I don't have a job. I guess it was fun while it lasted.
Today the NFL announced that it would start suspending players for "flagrant hits" which would result in hitting a offensive player above the shoulder pads. The rule mainly pertains to "defenseless" wide receivers, as the NFL rule states:
"If a receiver has completed a catch and has not had time to protect himself, a defensive player is prohibited from launching (springing forward and upward) into him in a way that causes the defensive player's helmet, facemask, shoulder, or forearm to forcibly strike the receiver's head or neck area -- even if the initial contact of the defender's helmet, facemask, shoulder, or forearm is lower than the receiver's neck."
So defenders need to allow the receiver to catch the ball, allow him to land while securing the ball, and then gently bring him to the ground. Basically this is giving a huge edge to receivers. One of the best ways to defend a pass is to hit the guy as he is catching it which knocks the ball out.
Now you may be thinking to yourself, "That seems like a reasonable rule! They are protecting them from concussions." The problem is that even if you come close to a receivers head, you will most likely get flagged or fined. And with the new emphasis on this rule, referees are strongly encouraged to watch for this more and flag and eject players more often. A ref doesn't want to lose his job, so if a hit looks remotely close, he is throwing his flag.
I experienced this at a Hiram football game, where our defender hit a kid in the chest on a pass and was flagged 15 yards for a hit above the shoulder pads. The penalty gave them a first down and they ended up winning the game because of it. (Picture of that very hit is on the left).
The players know the risks they face when going out onto the field. That is why they get paid so much! What is next? Are they going to eliminate tackling the legs because that causes knee and ankle injuries? Those injuries can permanently effect players later in life just as much as a concussion or two, which is the main argument for those supporting these new rules.
Hell, the way they are going (these new rules, all the rules protecting QB's, etc.), we might not have football any longer. And without football, I don't have a job. I guess it was fun while it lasted.
I agree with this except of one comment you made. Although I do not in any way agree with the Hiram penalty call (I was actually in the stands yelling about it) you and I both know one call does not determine the game. A game lasts longer then 2 seconds. So coach I guess its your job to make sure your players know that and to come up with creative ways to get around this new rule. A new defensive strategy to defend against this rule and make sure that ball does not fall into the receivers hands.
ReplyDeleteOkay Carr lets pump the brakes here!
ReplyDeletethe further we get in medical science the more we are realizing that this sport is causing major damages to the players.
the players are human beings they aren't animals we have fight for our entertainment they are people and we can't just shove a bunch of money at them and say "hey if you don't do it someone else will"
I think there is a problem with helmet to helmet hits and I don't think its fair to say they will throw flags every chance they get...
what SHOULD they do to fix the problem?
I'm with Ditka on this one:
"I said a long time ago if you want to change the game take the mask off the helmet,It will change the game a lot. If you want to change the game and get it back to where people aren't striking with the head and using the head as a weapon, take the mask off the helmet."
I agree that they aren't animals Adam. If you are TRUELY concerned with their long term health (which I doubt you are) then you would be concerned about cut blocks and tackling at the knees. Players tear their ACL's and everything else all the time. This affects their long term health because it means some won't be able to walk years after they retire, or they will have to deal with severe pain. I never said I disagree with the rules and that I don't want to protect the players. But the fact is that soon players will be afraid to HIT anyone because of all the fines and suspensions about every conceivable hit.
ReplyDeleteI think what we need to do is advance usage of sterroids. Let them juice! I think we aren't so far away from the MonStars in Space Jam. If they are juicing, they won't get hurt as easily, and they can entertain as modern gladiators. Let 'em juice, let 'em hit.
ReplyDelete"The players know the risks they face when going out onto the field. That is why they get paid so much!"
ReplyDeleteThank you. That's all that really needs to be said.
Just watch rugby
ReplyDelete