New Helmet Rule

[stirs]

Passed 31-1

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9075058/nfl-owners-end-tuck-rule-approve-helmet-penalty

[XClown1986]

I get that backs should lower their shoulders but how do you do that without lowering the helmet? Especially on a goal line play?

[stirs]

What about a tight end in the open field? WR?

[SmashNDash]

I get that backs should lower their shoulders but how do you do that without lowering the helmet? Especially on a goal line play?

This doesn't effect goal line plays. Read the rules, this doesn't effect plays inside the tackle box or less then 3 yards passed the line of scrimmage. So in other words, doesn't effect goal line plays, 3 and 1 or any of our running backs, ZING.

[GRWatcher]

I get that backs should lower their shoulders but how do you do that without lowering the helmet? Especially on a goal line play?

Difference is that when you lower your shoulder, you can't lead with your helmet. It's leading with the helmet that will be penalized, not lowering it.

I hope they have a lllloooonnnnggggg summer school for the officiating crews. No replay on this penalty is gonna' suck.

[iamcline]

The more things change, the more I move closer and closer to being a full-on hockey fan instead of football fan. Really sucks.

[XClown1986]

Yeah i just went back and saw that it was approved for not leading with the crown outside of the tackle box. That makes sense. If you are leading with the crown outside of the box you cant see where the hell you are going anyway. Wont change much IMO.

[carpanfan96]

I get that backs should lower their shoulders but how do you do that without lowering the helmet? Especially on a goal line play?

Watch Jim Brown run. A lot of the great power backs for the most part kept the head up and led with their shoulder.

[TylerVagyler]

These rules are being made because players are suing the NFL every other day. The league has to protect themselves from future lawsuits so every player doesn't say the league didn't do anything to protect them.

NFLPA Moto:

"Let us go out there and kill each other but if we have life-long effects from it, you better be paying for it or we'll sue you"

[Growl]

I just don't know how much longer I'll be able to find this sport enjoyable.

It's just not the same game, but at least Roger will pocket some more money!!!

[TylerVagyler]

THIS ISN'T THE SAME GAME???

If you use the correct technique and are taught properly, this rule won't effect you. There's ZERO reason a player should lead with the crown of his helmet. It's stupid for his safety as well as his opponents AND its not even as effective as leading with the shoulders.

[TylerVagyler]

And Goodell doesn't "pocket money" from fines. They give it to charities.

[carpanfan96]

THIS ISN'T THE SAME GAME???

If you use the correct technique and are taught properly, this rule won't effect you. There's ZERO reason a player should lead with the crown of his helmet. It's stupid for his safety as well as his opponents AND its not even as effective as leading with the shoulders.

Yep, the problem is that players aren't learning proper technique till they get to the college, heck even sometimes the NFL. After 18 years of playing one way, it's hard to break habits that you develop over a long period of playing. Bad habits and technique is whats leading to the tons of injuries and long term health issues.

[TylerVagyler]

And that's exactly why this new rule is a good thing.