The new helmet-hit rule disallowing running backs to "lead with the helmet" is going to get them killed. The only way not to "lead" with the helmet when running is to run backwards. "Leading" with the helmet in this instance is just a euphemism for "ducking." Emmitt Smith's quote was "If I’m a running back and I’m running into a linebacker, you’re telling me I have to keep my head up so he can take my chin off? You’ve absolutely lost your mind.” He's right--you have two 350# linemen closing from both sides, and a 250# LB charging in from the front--you're a 180# RB and you have to stand up??? WT17?? Might as well make them sit on a giant tee and wait for it. The 17ing NFL "Tee Rule".Marshall Faulk: “Take the helmets off. Let’s be honest, if you think the helmet is a weapon, take it off.”
R.I.P. NFL Runnings Backs--you're Toast!
- Thread starter SkullCandy.sixpack
- Start date
I'm in the minority but I disagree.
The game maintains its greatness. In fact, I don't see how minimizing injuries with life-altering consequences does anything but improve football. The human element is pretty important here.
The game maintains its greatness. In fact, I don't see how minimizing injuries with life-altering consequences does anything but improve football. The human element is pretty important here.
Think I am in ...
If RBs are NOT allowed to duck their head, they will simply not make it through a single season. It's just physics ... MASS X VELOCITY EQUATION ... and when you have two 300# lineman hitting a 'heads up' 190# RB, the trainer will need to have 911 on spead dial.
Please explain 'how' this will minimize injuries.
If RBs are NOT allowed to duck their head, they will simply not make it through a single season. It's just physics ... MASS X VELOCITY EQUATION ... and when you have two 300# lineman hitting a 'heads up' 190# RB, the trainer will need to have 911 on spead dial.
Please explain 'how' this will minimize injuries.
You'll see a lot of helmets shooting into the air, not from contact, but from the physics you're describing as the "squeezing the toothpaste tube" factor. On the flip side, the new NCAA rules would have made the famous Clowney helmet launch hit a 15 yard penalty, and possible expulsion.
I'm in the minority but I disagree.
The game maintains its greatness. In fact, I don't see how minimizing injuries with life-altering consequences does anything but improve football. The human element is pretty important here.
The game maintains its greatness. In fact, I don't see how minimizing injuries with life-altering consequences does anything but improve football. The human element is pretty important here.
When they traded lions for housecats at the Coliseum, people stopped going. Hate to say it, but these are our time's gladiators. And instead of forcing slaves to fight, we pay them millions of dollars. I really feel that people who get involved with football have to know the risks and choose them freely, and they are well compensated for that choice. Can't feel sorry for them or worry about them.
Well can the tackler lower his shoulder to make a tackle without lowering his helmet also ? Runners are gonna get killed. I`ve got to see this **** to believe it.
the really interesting part will be enforcing this rule. It's yet another judgment call. And every RB currently on a roster has been "ducking" his head on most of his runs for the past, what, 18 years or more? You telling me they're going to break that habit in one offseason? Please. This would result in a flag on almost every running play if they actually enforce it. If they don't then what's the point of the rule anyway? This is getting stupid. It's going to be a 7 on 7 flag football league before you know it.
I would agree if this rule would actually prevent injuries. The majority of "safety" rules made within the last three years do nothing to reduce injury rate, and in some cases increase it. These rules aren't made with player safety in mind; they're a political tool to take the heat off of Goodell and the other high-ups and make it seem like they care. There are plenty of other aspects that could be changed that would truly increase safety with much less of an impact on the game, but they'd either cost the NFL too much money or wouldn't be perceived as being as helpful as the current pseudo-safety rules.
I think there's a huge overreaction to this
It will no doubt depend on the refs application of the rule, but the rule has not outlawed "leading with your helmet". It has outlawed "leading with the crown of your helmet". That's a lot different. Unless I'm misunderstanding this, driving your facemask into an opponent's chest is still okay. Driving the top of the helmet into your opponent's chest is not. You can still maintain athletic position and plow over your opponent without using the top of your helmet to do it. I believe the rule is to prevent players from turning themselves into a spear. Remember, helmets are made for protection, not gaining advantages over your opponent.
Again, it's going to depend on ref application. If this eliminates open field use of the crown of your helmet, it's a good thing. If involuntary helmet to helmet contact (including the crown) is penalized where a player has no other choice, it's going to hurt the game tremendously.
It will no doubt depend on the refs application of the rule, but the rule has not outlawed "leading with your helmet". It has outlawed "leading with the crown of your helmet". That's a lot different. Unless I'm misunderstanding this, driving your facemask into an opponent's chest is still okay. Driving the top of the helmet into your opponent's chest is not. You can still maintain athletic position and plow over your opponent without using the top of your helmet to do it. I believe the rule is to prevent players from turning themselves into a spear. Remember, helmets are made for protection, not gaining advantages over your opponent.
Again, it's going to depend on ref application. If this eliminates open field use of the crown of your helmet, it's a good thing. If involuntary helmet to helmet contact (including the crown) is penalized where a player has no other choice, it's going to hurt the game tremendously.
Good point. We pay soldiers 380 bucks a week, but some NFL players get over $10 million as a signing bonus. At least soldiers still get to keep their heads down**
Bingo. These rules are much more about protecting the NFL from future lawsuits than protecting the players themselves.