I know safety is supposed to be in the the forefront of NFL thinking nowadays, but STILL this latest rule proposal is just baffling. If it passes, a running back will no longer be able to duck his head and run forward. Why? Because if the crown of his helmet hits a defensive player, it will result in a 15 yard penalty for the team on offense.
Running backs, ducking their head and charging forward IS FOOTBALL. I'm not sure how many defensive players have been hurt by that type of collision over the years, but I can't think of anyone at all. It also means that the runningback can't duck his head to protect HIMSELF when running up the middle.
Imagine a quarterback-sneak where the QB can no longer lower is head when going forward for that quick foot that he still needs on third down because his helmet MIGHT come in contact with a defensive player.
I'm not sure exactly how the rule will be enforced or IF referees will be able to make the call consistently. Owners are wondering the same thing as they delayed a vote on the matter yesterday. I see a lot of angry coaches and fans if this new rule does pass. I also see a lot of running backs getting hurt as the reflexive action to duck and cover is taken away from them.
I'm not sure where all of this is going, but I have a feeling that any chance Adrian Peterson may have had at breaking the all-time rushing record will vanish as soon as this rule is passed. No one is going to get those last two yards on a run anymore without lowering their head and plowing forward.
No one.
If it passes a star running back will get a very serious neck injury and a HUGE lawsuit will result. Rule changes "for safety" will never be the same. You heard it here first.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure that rule won't get passed. All running backs will have to run in the style of former Vikings running back Robert Smith. On a positive note, if it does pass (it won't) the Vikes will have to come up with a new game plan. No more run it up the middle twice then pass on 3rd and long.
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