New Helmet Rule

[stirs]

RB's cannot lower their heads?

Ruin the game once and for all? Gonna hang flags around everyone's waist?

What say you?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Hasn't been approved yet, I don't believe.

Hopefully the owners show some common since and vote against this stupid proposal.

[Darth Biscuit]

I understand their concern, but I believe that this rule would dramatically alter the game of football as we know it.

[L-TownCat]

This is the most asinine rule change in the history of the league. Its mind blowing, the lengths they(Goodell) will go to pervert the game that is paying him millions to rule over with an iron dildo. This is one of those moments where Goodell will just ram it home with out even the complementary spit on the tip first. Grab your ankles now football fans, things are gonna get uncomfortable.

[MaineManPanther]

Jim Brown says that he's in favor and that there are other ways to go about breaking tackles outside the tackle box. Also from what I understand, the NFL reviewed all tape from week 16 and found that the penalty wouldve been called five times the entire week.

So I don't see this having a huge negative impact.

[stirs]

Earl Campbell, Walter Payton and others would have never made the mark they did with this rule.

Will it help elevate the scat back and make folks like Eddie Lacey a bit less desirable?

[Stroupe-a-loop]

Jim Brown says that he's in favor and that there are other ways to go about breaking tackles outside the tackle box. Also from what I understand, the NFL reviewed all tape from week 16 and found that the penalty wouldve been called five times the entire week.

So I don't see this having a huge negative impact.

Apparently it's just outside the tackle box in open space, but that will still lead to some weird situations for ball carriers (I.E. a runningback in open space on a pitch or a reciever on a lateral). Personally I would say that they should just look at changing the helmets, maybe to a softer, more absorbant material that doesn't incentivise people to use their noggin like a battering ram.

[Johnny Rockets]

This is the most asinine rule change in the history of the league. Its mind blowing, the lengths they(Goodell) will go to pervert the game that is paying him millions to rule over with an iron dildo. This is one of those moments where Goodell will just ram it home with out even the complementary spit on the tip first. Grab your ankles now football fans, things are gonna get uncomfortable.

What's Goodell have to do with this?

[L-TownCat]

What's Goodell have to do with this?

It was his suggestion, he is the 'Player safety' police, and a reporter (i cant remember which (mort?)) said that its Goodell that's pushing it and that it was gonna happen because Goodell wants it to happen.

[MaineManPanther]

Apparently it's just outside the tackle box in open space, but that will still lead to some weird situations for ball carriers (I.E. a runningback in open space on a pitch or a reciever on a lateral). Personally I would say that they should just look at changing the helmets, maybe to a softer, more absorbant material that doesn't incentivise people to use their noggin like a battering ram.

Sure, I don't disagree that it will cause occasional "problems" for ball carriers. But I dont think its a integral move that they will fail to compensate for. Add to the fact that it doesnt seem to be a highly frequent or game changing occurence, I think its worth it if it noticabley improves the players saftey. Low risk, High Reward IMO.

As far as helemets, I agree and Im certain the NFL frequentley looks into devlopments. Itd be the fastest and easiest improvment to make after all. But I also think there is nothing out there currentley that would compensate for this rule change.

[CatMan72]

I understand the theory behind it, but the practice of this rule sounds HIGHLY subjective to me... at what point is a player going to be flagged for protecting himself from impact by lowering his head?

Once you've lowered your head to protect yourself, how can you tell where the crown of your helmet is going?

RB's are taught to run behind their pads, which means lowering your shoulders - so how do you lower your shoulders without lowering your head? LOL

[logic1977]

This rule change is all going to depend on how its called on the field. From what i have read the intent is t to flag every ball carrier who ducks his head to protect himself. More it is supposed to be for someone in the open field who decides to use his helmet as a weapon and could also be called on the defense.

So there is a ton of grey area in the rule. Will come down to what they decide to throw a flag on

[XClown1986]

It wont (rightfully) get passed. I dont see how they could make it work effectively.

[panfan32]

It was his suggestion, he is the 'Player safety' police, and a reporter (i cant remember which (mort?)) said that its Goodell that's pushing it and that it was gonna happen because Goodell wants it to happen.

It has to be voted on by the Owners. Goodell can only recommend the rule change he cannot force it onto the owners. Unless he has some major skeletons on each of them. LEVERAGE.