NFL Owners Just Passed the "RB Ducking Rule"

[Emery]

I don't see this being that big of deal. As long as the backs actually look at where they are running then it's not a flag. With the head down it puts the player at more risk. I know everyone is saying there isn't that many 'major' injuries, but as pointed out before it's a cumulative effect.

As far as everyone thinking it makes the sport less violent, I think it's more ballsy for the back to actually keep his head up and barrel through someone than to use his helmet as a point of attack.

[sandstorm2001]

Originally Posted by M.C.

yea right the nfl will never go away..those players are getting paid bank to play..

Players get paid bank because we want to watch. If there are so many rules like this that the sport is no longer fun to watch the NFL will fall by the wayside.

[35-21]

I look at this rule as leveling the playing field between defenders and ball carriers. I think once the rule is in effect for a while, we will see defenders be able to lower the boom more often without worrying that the ball carrier is going to duck his head into the tackle and end up costing the defense 15 additional yards.

[VincentSmithsHead]

This rule is terrible

Imagine how pissed we'd be if some of Latt's runs were called back because of incidental helmet contact after lowering his shoulders (by the way, I realize this rule is NFL only - for now - just using this as a hypothetical). We would be outraged.

[usc90grad]

Originally Posted by 35-21

I look at this rule as leveling the playing field between defenders and ball carriers. I think once the rule is in effect for a while, we will see defenders be able to lower the boom more often without worrying that the ball carrier is going to duck his head into the tackle and end up costing the defense 15 additional yards.

So how does your second sentence level the playing field? To me, this rule is going to hurt the RB and allow defenders to knock their lights out easier.

[ReadR00ster]

Originally Posted by VincentSmithsHead

This rule is terrible

Imagine how pissed we'd be if some of Latt's runs were called back because of incidental helmet contact after lowering his shoulders (by the way, I realize this rule is NFL only - for now - just using this as a hypothetical). We would be outraged.

You can forget it. Forget knee injuries, this rule will be the reason Marcus won't have a much of an NFL career, he runs with his head lowered. It's just the way he runs.

[GamecockSuperFan]

Well... no runningback is ever going to follow this rule based simply off of how the game has been played the last 60 years... So if a flag gets called or there is a fine, we will all hear about it. Therefore keeping the NFL in the limelight and relevant. Not that it isn't already. ESPN will be talking about one of these plays instead of reflecting on a great game by 2 teams.

[GamecockSuperFan]

No runningback with any level of integrity, in their right mind would ever conform to this rule anyway. I think it's pointless.

[M.C.]

Originally Posted by ReadR00ster

You can forget it. Forget knee injuries, this rule will be the reason Marcus won't have a much of an NFL career, he runs with his head lowered. It's just the way he runs.

you can do it but not outside the pocket

[qcgamecock]

Good rule, just impossible to interpret correctly on a consistant basis in my opinion. It is the same thing defenses have had to adapt and follow with many complaining the offense could still lead with the head while spearing and head to head were made illegal as well as hitting a defensless WR. This rule just like those will lead the refs to err on the side of caution and influence games with idiotic calls based on a loose interpretation of the rule. I do not understand why they do not make them play with the concussion helmets all the time, why would we have players practice in a helmet that protects them better or give them a better helmet to wear after they get a concussion instead of having them wear the best possible protection at all times.

[ReadR00ster]

This is depressing. Football is now officially dead.

[ReadR00ster]

Originally Posted by M.C.

you can do it but not outside the pocket

Marcus only runs inside the pocket? He runs all over the field last time I checked.

[gsmith4776]

I say that if the players want all these benefits then they need to do their part by protecting themselves. Insurance is all about risk. Protecting players helps eliminate risk and therefore players are more likely to be compensated for losses later in life. They can't have their cake and eat it too.
Also, you can lead with the front of your helmet just not the crown. I learned that in pee wee league. Honestly, it makes sense.
Now, the problem with these rules has been enforcement by refs. I feel that these plays should by reviewable and just 5 yard penalties. Then, the league should review game film and fine players after the fact on a case by case basis. I've seen too many games effected by these calls that most of the time are wrong and too many hits where no penalty was given.

[FloydTheBarber]

Originally Posted by ReadR00ster

You can forget it. Forget knee injuries, this rule will be the reason Marcus won't have a much of an NFL career, he runs with his head lowered. It's just the way he runs.

Marcus will be fine.

He lowers his shoulders- he does NOT always lead with the CROWN of his helmet.

[VincentSmithsHead]

Originally Posted by FloydTheBarber

Marcus will be fine.

He lowers his shoulders- he does NOT always lead with the CROWN of his helmet.

It doesn't really matter if he leads with his helmet if they call penalties on incidental helmet contact after he lowers his pads - and you know NFL refs will. They already screw up abunch of helmet to helmet calls on defenders.

[FloydTheBarber]

Originally Posted by VincentSmithsHead

It doesn't really matter if he leads with his helmet if they call penalties on incidental helmet contact after he lowers his pads - and you know NFL refs will. They already screw up abunch of helmet to helmet calls on defenders.

If refs dont know how to call the new rule, then it will affect everyone, not just Marcus.

Marcus will be fine.

[GamecockSuperFan]

The NFL is going to go from throwing flags to having players wear them in 20 years..

[VincentSmithsHead]

Originally Posted by FloydTheBarber

If refs dont know how to call the new rule, then it will affect everyone, not just Marcus.

This was my point. I wasn't trying to say it'll affect Marcus only.

The refs incompetence at correctly calling it consistently will affect every RB.

[cockybusiness2]

There goes the neighborhood

[GamecockMomSC]

Obviously I've never played football, so I have a question about the no leading with the helmet thing. It's natural to lean forward when you are trying to run fast. It seems to me it will be a judgement call on the ref's part as to if the player is just trying to go faster, or leading with the crown of the helmet. Furthermore, if you can't stick your neck out and fall forward, how can the ball carrier try to get extra yards?