RB helmet rule led by Mara, of course

[Lodeus]

So this means more time spent not watching actual football being played and more opportunities for commercial breaks. YAY!

Instead of tackling, a few years down the road defenders will have to pick up the ball carrier and carry them out of bounds. Grabbing flags may be to dangerous for football.

 

[Section446]

I am really getting tired of this idiot:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9071876/owners-delay-helmet-vote-pass-2-other-rule-changes

"There was a spirited discussion," Mara said.

Tired of this guy and his spirits.

This sucks so much.

 

[jimmy40]

Walter Payton could not play running back in 2013's NFL. Glad I got to see his career.

 

[Hoofbite]

Oh, I see. Getting free things as a kid makes up for life-threatening illnesses later in life.

No. Willingness to accept that as a possibility in return for a high paying job playing a sport while benefitting from all the perks that come with it.

That's the trade off.

 

[Hoofbite]

The only way this rule will impact the game will be if the penalty includes loss of down as well.

Think about it .. it's 3rd or 4th down late in the game, a running back breaks one outside and needs 3-4 more yards beyond where the defensive players are setting up for a tackle. He has a choice, get tackled and turn the ball over via punt or on downs, or plow through head first hoping to get a first down.

So he lowers his head and fights for a first down. If he fails to get it and they throw a flag, the defense will decline the penalty. If he gets the first down, the defense will take the penalty and they get another shot at the first down. However, if he keeps his head up and doesn't get the first down, they punt or turn the ball over on downs if it was 4th down on the play. Of course all of this is assuming the refs throw a flag which isn't a given.

On the surface and in the media, it seems like it will have an impact. In reality, it will help reduce some head first collisions early in the game. However, late in the game, it will not be a factor beyond taking first downs away and giving the offense a second chance, just a little further back.

/reality

I'm not sure I would agree with this.

15 yards is a lot. If you have a strong defense, why wouldn't you accept the penalty bypassing 4th & 2 from field goal range when the alternative is 3rd & 17 from outside field goal range?

What about 4th and Goal and the penalty coming on a scoring play? Now it becomes 4th & Goal from the 15. That's 4 points immediately off the board unless the team is in a position where they need the TD.

IMO, this penalty will impact the game every time it is called, be it field position or negation of a first down or scoring play.

I want to see how the penalty is written. It has to apply to WRs as well doesn't it? What's the determining element? Can't just be a RB lowering his head because you could easily do that to brace for impact.

I think it's an awful rule. I'm disappointed it passed 31-1 and I applaud Cincinnati for voting against it. People wil hang the responsibility on Mara and Goodell but this was a league wide decision which makes every team that voted for it just as responsible.

I'm pretty disappointed all around with it. It looks like it will be a vague rule up to the discretion of the official. First and foremost, it only applies outside the tackle box and to plays 3 yards downfield. If this was such an important safety measure, you'd have to include the tackle box because that's probably where 75% of this sort of contact occurs.

Also, here's a quote from Fisher.

St. Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher, co-chairman of the league's competition committee, said the rule doesn't prohibit a runner from using his facemask or hairline part of his helmet.

Which means what? The official decides if the hit was hairline or with the crown? What is an example of an illegal hit now? A guy who goes in with his head completely down?

I think the rule is unnecessary. You don't need a rule that could potentially penalize good play simply because a players who missile into other players can possibly hurt themselves.

 

[Reality]

15 yards is a lot. If you have a strong defense, why wouldn't you accept the penalty bypassing 4th & 2 from field goal range when the alternative is 3rd & 17 from outside field goal range?

What about 4th and Goal and the penalty coming on a scoring play? Now it becomes 4th & Goal from the 15. That's 4 points immediately off the board unless the team is in a position where they need the TD.

I think it is rather obvious from my post that I was implying that late in the when a team NEEDS a first down (not wants, but needs) that on 4th down a running back will take his chances because they either don't get the first down, get the first down or get a second chance, albeit from further back.

Obviously, if a team is on the other team's 35 yard line or closer and they are only down by 3 or less points late in the game, they would not want their running back to risk getting a penalty any more than you would want a quarterback to throw the ball in the middle of the field with only seconds left in the game and no timeouts.

However, what I said is absolutely true and is exactly what will happen in games without a doubt. If it's late in the fourth quarter and its 4th down and you need a first down, the ball carrier (could be a receiver who does it, doesn't matter) will lead with his head every time if he's close to the first down marker but not sure he can make it.

The players will do that if they need the first down and are not likely to get the ball back. It's a win-win situation for the offense. At best, you get the first down and the refs don't throw the flag. Assuming you get the first down, if the refs throw the flag at least you have a second chance. If the ball carrier had not lowered his head, your team would be walking off the field knowing the game is over.

IMO, this penalty will impact the game every time it is called, be it field position or negation of a first down or scoring play.

Sure it will. It just won't matter as much late in the game if the team that's behind needs a first down and it's 4th down. Now if the ball carrier gets the first down and then lowers his head, then yes, the penalty (if thrown) will hurt.

I want to see how the penalty is written. It has to apply to WRs as well doesn't it? What's the determining element? Can't just be a RB lowering his head because you could easily do that to brace for impact.

I would think it would apply to any ball carrier using the top of his helmet to spear defenders.

I think it's an awful rule. I'm disappointed it passed 31-1 and I applaud Cincinnati for voting against it. People wil hang the responsibility on Mara and Goodell but this was a league wide decision which makes every team that voted for it just as responsible.

I don't hate the rule as much as I hate the subjective aspect of it. Because of that, they made the rule unreviewable meaning one referee can decide the outcome of games in yet another way.

I'm pretty disappointed all around with it. It looks like it will be a vague rule up to the discretion of the official. First and foremost, it only applies outside the tackle box and to plays 3 yards downfield. If this was such an important safety measure, you'd have to include the tackle box because that's probably where 75% of this sort of contact occurs.

They voted for the tuck rule too This is nothing more than a feel good move.

If I had to guess, teams will start running even less now outside the box making the NFL even more pass happy.

/reality

 

[Doomsay]

Walter Payton could not play running back in 2013's NFL. Glad I got to see his career.

I hope we get to see this guy flourish under the new rules........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UYkVRaqi44&feature=player_detailpage

 

[Beast_from_East]

I am really getting tired of this idiot:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9071876/owners-delay-helmet-vote-pass-2-other-rule-changes

"There was a spirited discussion," Mara said.

Tired of this guy and his spirits.

THIS JUST IN!!!!!!!


Mare has convinced the other owners that the rule should be applied retroactively and that Dallas was one of the worst offenders.

As puinishment, Dallas can elect to have another $10 million deducted off their cap or lose their 1st rounder.

Mara was heard saying that Dallas got off lucky.

:laugh2:

 

[ilovejerry]

I am really getting tired of this idiot:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9071876/owners-delay-helmet-vote-pass-2-other-rule-changes

"There was a spirited discussion," Mara said.

Tired of this guy and his spirits.

Thank g-d I have hockey.......After 38 years of the watching the NFL I can honestly sat they have ruined the game. My love for the Cowboys isn't blinded by the way NFL has totally Ruined this game...I hope the older guys chime in on here

 

[DBOY3141]

Thank g-d I have hockey.......After 38 years of the watching the NFL I can honestly sat they have ruined the game. My love for the Cowboys isn't blinded by the way NFL has totally Ruined this game...I hope the older guys chime in on here

Couldn't agree more. The NFL is becoming less inviting to watch. I hate to say that my patience is wearing thin, but each year I seem to be watching less and less of it.

 

[ShiningStar]

This is one of the first time the league has tried to make a player safety rule that addresses the larger issue with chronic traumatic Encephalopathy: chronic lower impact collisions, particularly against lower weight players. The issue is much less about concussuons than it is about this type of repetitive trauma.

It's a good rule and I hope it goes into effect. It's worth diminishing the quality of the sport a little if it prevents players from having devastating neurological complications.

wow nothing else to say, just wow

 

[ShiningStar]

Couldn't agree more. The NFL is becoming less inviting to watch. I hate to say that my patience is wearing thin, but each year I seem to be watching less and less of it.

same here, i missed some games last year, didnt even notice.

 

[Gaede]

wow nothing else to say, just wow

You're right in one way--there's nothing else to say.

What's more important? Fan satisfaction or long term health of the player?

Should be a pretty straightforward decision.

 

[weaver21]

Not sure if I'm completely understand the rule, but aren't players taught when their little to lead with their shoulder pads, not the head? I know not all professional football players played when they were little, but I think everyone knows leading with your head is not safe and it's not smart. Jim Brown even said himself he never used his head. Players will just need to learn to use the stiff arm more and lead with their shoulders instead of the helmet.

And it makes me laugh seeing all these people saying their gonna stop watching football because of these rules. I can almost guarantee none of you will stop watching this game. You may say it and maybe you are getting sick of the new rules, but you won't stop watching it. I know after watching nearly 10+ years of football on Sundays, I could never simply wake up on a Sunday and continue on like it's a normal day. It'd be impossible for me.

 

[ShiningStar]

You're right in one way--there's nothing else to say.

What's more important? Fan satisfaction or long term health of the player?

Should be a pretty straightforward decision.

you are right, shut it down. why stop at one solution. if you are for the safety of the player, PROVE it to me, start a petition to shut down the NFL. if this is about safety, lets make it safe. Lets make it so safe NO one ever gets hurt again.

SHUT IT DOWN. prove it to me.

your point makes no sense, because if it wasnt for science getting better, or doctors doing great things, no one would have considered this 20 years ago and the sport is as dangerous than as it is now. there are tons of other problems you may not be aware of so lets prove the point and shut it down so everyone is safe from bad bad things.

 

[ShiningStar]

Not sure if I'm completely understand the rule, but aren't players taught when their little to lead with their shoulder pads, not the head? I know not all professional football players played when they were little, but I think everyone knows leading with your head is not safe and it's not smart. Jim Brown even said himself he never used his head. Players will just need to learn to use the stiff arm more and lead with their shoulders instead of the helmet.

And it makes me laugh seeing all these people saying their gonna stop watching football because of these rules. I can almost guarantee none of you will stop watching this game. You may say it and maybe you are getting sick of the new rules, but you won't stop watching it. I know after watching nearly 10+ years of football on Sundays, I could never simply wake up on a Sunday and continue on like it's a normal day. It'd be impossible for me.

I can promise u. you are off base. many people I used to chat with dont watch games any more. like I had said. I missed a few games last year. didn't really care

 

[Gaede]

you are right, shut it down. why stop at one solution. if you are for the safety of the player, PROVE it to me, start a petition to shut down the NFL. if this is about safety, lets make it safe. Lets make it so safe NO one ever gets hurt again.

SHUT IT DOWN. prove it to me.

your point makes no sense, because if it wasnt for science getting better, or doctors doing great things, no one would have considered this 20 years ago and the sport is as dangerous than as it is now. there are tons of other problems you may not be aware of so lets prove the point and shut it down so everyone is safe from bad bad things.

Talk about an overreaction. The NFL implemented one rule and your response is to 'shut it down'.

This rule is designed at getting players to protect their head better. RECENT evidence has shown a connection between head injuries and cognitive impairment, mental health and disability. This data is NEW to the world and the reason people are making a big push to protect players BRAINS from injury.

Everyone knows the sport is dangerous. The players know this, coaches, fans and owners all know this. Broken limbs, torn tendons, blood, all that stuff remains the same and won't leave the sport. However, these things can all be repaired at no significant cost to the patient's long term health.

But head injuries are very dangerous, unpredictable and very tricky to diagnose and treat. That's why the NFL is making such an effort to PREVENT them.

 

[ShiningStar]

Talk about an overreaction. The NFL implemented one rule and your response is to 'shut it down'.

This rule is designed at getting players to protect their head better. RECENT evidence has shown a connection between head injuries and cognitive impairment, mental health and disability. This data is NEW to the world and the reason people are making a big push to protect players BRAINS from injury.

Everyone knows the sport is dangerous. The players know this, coaches, fans and owners all know this. Broken limbs, torn tendons, blood, all that stuff remains the same and won't leave the sport. However, these things can all be repaired at no significant cost to the patient's long term health.

But head injuries are very dangerous, unpredictable and very tricky to diagnose and treat. That's why the NFL is making such an effort to PREVENT them.

as perdicted when time to put up most shut up.

trust me, this is more about keeping this cash cow instead of safety, if this was about safety, it would be shut down. this is not about safety of the sort. we can pretend and show some support of it and a "hahaha" moment or our "cancer moments" but thats all they are.

if you were so concerned about safety and all the rules they are going to implement about safety, we couldnt do it. we can take away the sport and still call it football, but its not football. its a rough sport, if you stop head shots, tackling can cause spinal injury, if you stop hitting the qb, te's can be damaged and we can go round and round all day.


your time to put up has passed, either accept what it is, or just show your colors of "lets pretend its about safety" but we all know you re not going to make anyone safer because another leak in the dam will reveal itself.

 

[weaver21]

I can promise u. you are off base. many people I used to chat with dont watch games any more. like I had said. I missed a few games last year. didn't really care

You would honestly stop watching the NFL because it's trying to make the game safer? Look at what these head injuries have done to several former and current NFL players. What's wrong with making the game safer and making sure the players are protected? These guys have families and the only way to put provide for them is to play football and being injured with concussions is not gonna help.

There's no question football is a violent sport and everyone will suffer injuries like broken bones and torn ligaments. Those injuries can be fixed, but concussions? No, they don't get fixed and they linger as well especially if you continue to play. Guys like Laurent Robinson and Austin Collie have suffered multiple concussions and may not ever play the game again.

If you ever played football as a young child, your coach taught you to always lead with your shoulder, not with the helmet. Whether it's tackling or running the ball, always keep your head up. Players will need to learn how to do that or the concussions will keep happening and careers will be shortened. You have to start thinking about these players lives off the field and how it will affect their home lives like taking care of their families.

 

[Gaede]

your time to put up has passed, either accept what it is, or just show your colors of "lets pretend its about safety" but we all know you re not going to make anyone safer because another leak in the dam will reveal itself.

What the hell are you talking about?!

I honestly don't have the slightest idea what this is supposed to mean