NFL Considering Penalizing Ball Carriers For Lowering Head & Initiating Contact

[Jwilson]

Originally Posted by Shep

Before they do this, I think they should look into calling facemask penalties against runningbacks and receivers. It drives me crazy to see a ball carrier reach out and grab a defenders facemask and jerk him around and everyone is ok with it because he's an offensive skill player. Its either dangerous or its not.

I agree. I'd alos like to see "stripping" outlawed. That's when a ball carrier is in the grasp and 3 guys come up and grap at the ball while not even attempting a tackle. Frst tackler fine, all others, penalty.

[catdaddy66]

Originally Posted by 35-21

This rule could be very good for the game. I can't count the times I have seen a ball carrier do this as a defender comes in with a mid to low level tackle and the defender comes away with a flag for a helmet to helmet hit. I actually think putting some of the responsibility for safety back on the offense will open the game back up a bit.

As the current rule reads now, a flag is thrown for a "defenseless" player getting hit helmet to helmet by a defender. Players that are carrying the ball do not fall into this category. Players catching the ball do, though. I have never seen the hit you described flagged.

Personally I feel this new attempt to legislate play and "protect the players" is so far removed from reality as to qualify for "Bizzaro football"! Pretty soon we will hear the following every game:

"OMG! That was AWESOME!! He certainly layed the hands on him there, Dan!"

"You said it, Phil! Both were below the waist and he'll feel that in the morning! WOW!!"

[MillerTime843]

Originally Posted by Acockolypse Now

In other news linemen now must count to "5 Mississippi" before they can rush the QB.

[sodacitynate]

So looks like you can still keep the pads down, which is ok since that's just good fundamental technique.

But how are you going to abruptly put in a rule like this, when most of these RBs have been doing this since Pop Warner?

[2000grad]

Originally Posted by Acockolypse Now

In other news linemen now must count to "5 Mississippi" before they can rush the QB.

only Clowney...that way it is fair

[2000grad]

[Flameout12]

Originally Posted by 2000grad

And has struggled with concussions his 3 yrs in the CFL.

I give the NFL credit for trying...maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. There are just too many concussions...there has to be a smarter way to do this.

[b381l]

Emmitt Smith was interviewed today and said if this is done, football will be over.