Charlotte Observer says more necessary to prevent concussions

[top dawg]

The Charlotte Observer (perhaps Disturber in this case) has built a database of NFL injuries, analyzed the data, and put together a report.

"The Observer’s analysis showed that both offensive and defensive players in open-field positions were more vulnerable to concussions than linemen."

Person and Off go on:

"Wide receivers (12) and tight ends (10) were among the five position groups who suffered the most concussions, the data show.

But 15 cornerbacks – the most of any position – missed at least one game, as well as 11 safeties.

Linebackers, who also play a big role in run defense, were the other position group in the top five, with 11 players missing at least one game with a concussion."

Of course Luke Kuechly would be in that number.  In my opinion Luke's first concussion as a pro was directly related to leading with his head, which is a real problem.

“They were tackling with their head,” said Cantu, clinical professor of neurosurgery at Boston University’s School of Medicine. “Plus the fact that they’re in the open field so they’re colliding at full speed, whereas the stuff in the (offensive and defensive) line there’s been less of a run-up of speed.

“They’re bigger, stronger, faster – and they’re faster obviously when they’re in the open field. And unfortunately many of them are continuing to use their head for that open-field tackle.”

There is more that can be done to greatly lessen the amount of concussions, and one of the ways seems to be directly related to tackling.

"In Seattle, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and his staff began teaching rugby-style tackling a few years ago to promote player safety. The technique is based more on leverage rather than defenders leading with their heads."

Another way, as mentioned in the article, is basically to disallow the head as a legal target. The NFL needs to stop the headhunting!

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article129364244.html#storylink=cpy

[Ivan The Awesome]

Rugby style tackling...interesting, since in Rugby they don't wear helmets. 

[Ricky Spanish]

2 hours ago, Ivan The Awesome said:

Rugby style tackling...interesting, since in Rugby they don't wear helmets. 

It is theorized by some that removing helmets/facemasks/ big pads would greatly reduce injuries because the players wouldn't feel as invincible without them on. 

[Saha]

About damn time some mainstream media recognizes the issue. If we are being completely honest they ought to be writing articles whenever a player (any player although I'm referencing cam) is intentionally hit in the head.