NFL rule changes surprise surprise surprise

[Buffalo]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9372190/NFL-passes-four-new-player-safety-rules
Seems the league doesn't like it when Tom Brady gets hurt. Vince Wolfork can blow out a guys knee with his elbow, nothing. Guy blows out Brady's knee while trying to make a play, outlaw the play!!
All you Steeler fans out there, guess what? Hines Ward's blocking, something to be admired from a true football fan, now outlawed!!
That Ryan Clark hit on McGahee from the title game, That one's illegal now too!!! (played Kreskin on that one). Check out the link. No more wedge on kickoffs. No more stacking one side on an onsides kick. I seen it here and heard it before, This game is getting closer to flag football every year.

[DaGooseMon]

:wall: Symptomatic of the wussification of this country. Why should football be immune. We're quickly becoming a nation of sissies. I hope you all realize that.

[Buffalo]

:wall: Symptomatic of the wussification of this country. Why should football be immune. We're quickly becoming a nation of sissies. I hope you all realize that.
Unfortunately too true.

[dannyg79]

I dont have an issue with most of those rules. The lunging of the player at the QB is the only one I think is somewhat iffy, and the wedge I dont get. The rest make perfect sense to me.

[DaGooseMon]

I dont have an issue with most of those rules. The lunging of the player at the QB is the only one I think is somewhat iffy, and the wedge I dont get. The rest make perfect sense to me.

You're kinda making my point for me Dan... :razz:

[dannyg79]

Not really. They have changes every year and people whine about it and say the game is becoming sissy and blah blah. Look at the AFC last year. Are you going to tell me the Titans-Ravens game was sissified? The Steelers-Ravens game was sissified? People over react. Sure we all like to see big hits, but why for instance, when making a blindside block should a guy give a blow to the head? It is just an unnecessary risk and doesnt really accomplish anything. A block to the body would get the job done and be just as effective.

[scmarcos]

Two games out of the year, and now some of the action from those games are banned!

Screw the NFL. I am praying for a strike/ lockout.

[DaGooseMon]

Not really. They have changes every year and people whine about it and say the game is becoming sissy and blah blah. Look at the AFC last year. Are you going to tell me the Titans-Ravens game was sissified? The Steelers-Ravens game was sissified? People over react. Sure we all like to see big hits, but why for instance, when making a blindside block should a guy give a blow to the head? It is just an unnecessary risk and doesnt really accomplish anything. A block to the body would get the job done and be just as effective.

Apparently I need to hit you in the head with the joke I was trying to make at your expense, hence the :razz: at then end of the post. Nevermind. :neutral:

[DaGooseMon]

Two games out of the year, and now some of the action from those games are banned!

Screw the NFL. I am praying for a strike/ lockout.

Not going to happen. Read the story, it says many of the players brought up the issues with these hits, or something to that effect. The players, for the most part, will be fine with it. But my hunch is, most of them are offensive players... ;)

[dannyg79]

Apparently I need to hit you in the head with the joke I was trying to make at your expense, hence the :razz: at then end of the post. Nevermind. :neutral:

I know it was a joke, I wasnt being rude or anything with my response. My response might have been to you, but it was kind of a general response. I think people are going to make more out of this than they need to, was my basic point.

[JimGP20]

The one change I thought they should have made but they didn't, was to make the situation that happened at the end of the Chargers / Broncos game, where Cutler clearly fumbled the ball, a reviewable play.

[dannyg79]

Two games out of the year, and now some of the action from those games are banned!

Screw the NFL. I am praying for a strike/ lockout.

The only action I can see from those 2 games that was banned would be the Clark hit on McGahee. Both of those games were pretty brutal outside of that play, and I see no reason why that will change.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Two games out of the year, and now some of the action from those games are banned!

Screw the NFL. I am praying for a strike/ lockout.

It's more than just two games (although I know you'd like to believe the Steelers are the center of the universe, there are far more than just the AFC title game and the Ward shot on Rivers being considered here). Let's not forget Boldin having his FACE BROKEN. Or Kevin Everett being paralyzed last season in a wedge situation.

Knowing that the players seem to be the ones who are pushing this more than the Competition Committee makes me a lot more comfortable.

Personally...I think a lot of the problems lie in that current rules aren't actually being enforced. Like the flying elbow that seems to have become so prevalent from the safety position (guys like Dawkins, Harrison, etc flying in at the end of a play and planting the elbow in people's backs when they're already down)...should be called for late hits, but when do you ever see it called?

Much like creating new gun laws...most of the problems could be solved if the rules on the books were merely enforced in the first place.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

The one change I thought they should have made but they didn't, was to make the situation that happened at the end of the Chargers / Broncos game, where Cutler clearly fumbled the ball, a reviewable play.

I thought they were still looking at that...but I completely agree with you.

[scmarcos]

The Boldin hit was an accident, and an overreaction by the league. Maybe they should just give the guys flags, that would take care of all the problems with people getting hurt.

[dannyg79]

The Boldin hit was an accident, and an overreaction by the league. Maybe they should just give the guys flags, that would take care of all the problems with people getting hurt.

Easy to say for people who are sitting on the couch, eating potato chips, and drinking beer during the game. I would imagine that if it was your health at risk you would want some levels of precauation as well.

Secondly, the NFL is as violent as it has ever been. This whole notion of "giving the guys flags" just makes me wonder if we are watching 2 different leagues. Even with the new rules changes, and any changes they have had over the last several years, the league is, and will still be as violent and hard hitting as it has ever been.

[Pudge]

In ten years the NFL will be a touch-football league.

[WhiteHatBobby]

The players and coaches involved make sense with discussing rule changes. Remember that the Competition Committee includes a team president (McKay, ATL) and a coach (Fisher, TEN).

Four rule changes:

1. Illegal Blindside Block - On initial contact, you cannot deliver it by helmet, forearm, or shoulder to the opponent's head or neck. That's a safety issue there. Head injury studies have been more prevalent in recent years, and the doctors are also involved in determing these calls.

2. A receiver who is defenseless and the defender makes initial contact to the head is penalised with the full 15. - The head of zebras has seen too many injury reports with "spinal" and "vertebrae" (backbone).

3. Kickoffs: Blocking wedge limit of two players. Makes kickoff returns for touchdowns harder, but more exciting. Cannot line five players together. However, it does allow better blockers to play.

4. Limit of five players per side on kickoffs. Onside kicks aren't outlawed, but what it does is makes them more challenging. Now you stump the opposition team too.

[ImNewHere]

In ten years the NFL will be a touch-football league.

Cleats will be replaced with stiletto heels.

[ImNewHere]

I'd like to see them bring back the illegal head slap.

[Beccaria]

*Sigh* and yet ANOTHER rule change that favors the offense!!!

[scmarcos]

Yeah the NFL totally cares about player safety. They are so concerned they are pushing an 18 game season. Yup extending the season will do wonders for these guys careers.

What's next in the pussification of the American male?

No more hitting the catcher in baseball? Totally ban fighting in hockey? Lower the number of personal fouls allowed in a basketball game to 3? No more tackling above the waste in the NFL? Remove the ground and pound from MMA?

After all we can't have our million dollar athletes getting hurt.

If they don't like being hit they should do something else with their careers. It seems like 90% of them are waterheads anyway so they should be grateful that they are making such a good living playing football.

[dannyg79]

Yeah the NFL totally cares about player safety. They are so concerned they are pushing an 18 game season. Yup extending the season will do wonders for these guys careers.

What's next in the pussification of the American male?

No more hitting the catcher in baseball? Totally ban fighting in hockey? Lower the number of personal fouls allowed in a basketball game to 3? No more tackling above the waste in the NFL? Remove the ground and pound from MMA?

After all we can't have our million dollar athletes getting hurt.

If they don't like being hit they should do something else with their careers. It seems like 90% of them are waterheads anyway so they should be grateful that they are making such a good living playing football.


Name one era in football that was more violent than this era? Since the NFL has apparently become such a sissy sport, then it should be rather easy to find an era that consistently had more violent collisions by better athletes.

[scmarcos]

The 70's were much more violent.

It shouldn't matter though. The league markets the game on the very hits it is now banning. Its at least highly hypocritical.

[dannyg79]

The 70's were much more violent.

It shouldn't matter though. The league markets the game on the very hits it is now banning. Its at least highly hypocritical.

The 70s was no where near as violent as today. Most of the big hitters in the 70s wouldnt be starters, if even on a roster, in todays league. Players are bigger, faster, and stronger thany they were in the 70s or 80s. The 90s as well but the 90s is when the game sort of began to become what has become.

[uncledoom]

I'd like to see them bring back the illegal head slap.

Deacon Jones made a career out of that.

[scmarcos]

The 70s was no where near as violent as today. Most of the big hitters in the 70s wouldnt be starters, if even on a roster, in todays league. Players are bigger, faster, and stronger thany they were in the 70s or 80s. The 90s as well but the 90s is when the game sort of began to become what has become.

You can't compare era's, it's not possible. You know it, I'm sure that's why you wanted me too.

[dannyg79]

You can't compare era's, it's not possible. You know it, I'm sure that's why you wanted me too.

Of course you can compare era's in the context of what we are talking about. When athletes have gotten bigger and faster then they are going to hit harder, which is why the game has to adapt with new rules.

[scmarcos]

Of course you can compare era's in the context of what we are talking about. When athletes have gotten bigger and faster then they are going to hit harder, which is why the game has to adapt with new rules.


You would think these bigger, stronger athletes, who also have the best medical care and trainers in the world, would be able to deal with the increased stresses on their bodies.

[iamredbeard]

The one rule that I don't like really isn't a new rule, by a clearer definition of a rule already in existence. Some are calling it the Brady rule. When a defender is down he can't each out and try and trip the QB into a sack or something. He has to be on his feet. I don't like it. I have to wonder if that play was on someone other than Brady or Manning if it would even be discussed. They are protecting the QB way to much. I can see things getting to the point where the QB wears a red shirt just like he does in practice so that he can't be hit.

[dannyg79]

You would think these bigger, stronger athletes, who also have the best medical care and trainers in the world, would be able to deal with the increased stresses on their bodies.

They do. They play more games per year than they did in the 70s, they play through injuries all the time, etc etc. That doesnt mean they can get their bodies in condition to avoid concussions or broken necks, which is why most of the new rules were put into place.

[dannyg79]

The one rule that I don't like really isn't a new rule, by a clearer definition of a rule already in existence. Some are calling it the Brady rule. When a defender is down he can't each out and try and trip the QB into a sack or something. He has to be on his feet. I don't like it. I have to wonder if that play was on someone other than Brady or Manning if it would even be discussed. They are protecting the QB way to much. I can see things getting to the point where the QB wears a red shirt just like he does in practice so that he can't be hit.

That is the only one I think is kind of borderline as well, though I do see the point of the rule. The rules involving hits to the head I think are pretty cut and dry, and probably should have been implemented years ago.

[5thIDSoldier]

The 70s was no where near as violent as today. Most of the big hitters in the 70s wouldnt be starters, if even on a roster, in todays league. Players are bigger, faster, and stronger thany they were in the 70s or 80s. The 90s as well but the 90s is when the game sort of began to become what has become.

I think Mr Butkus might disagree.

One thing I would like to point out is that Cedric Benson gave Troy Pomalau (spelling?) a concussion during a Bengals/Steelers game this year and Troy never said a word about it.

[dannyg79]

I think Mr Butkus might disagree.

You really think Dick Butkus, with his 70s skillset, could match up with a Ray Lewis or someone of that nature today? I absolutely do not. That isnt taking away from Butkus, I think if Butkus were around today and worked out with the modern equipment and trainers and things of that nature he could be a big time player. But Lewis, for example, has the same skill set as Butkus, but with much better workout equipment, trainers, knowledge of the body, etc etc.

[Dual867PowerMac]

:wall: Symptomatic of the wussification of this country. Why should football be immune. We're quickly becoming a nation of sissies. I hope you all realize that.
Baseball rules. :)

[dannyg79]

I think Mr Butkus might disagree.

One thing I would like to point out is that Cedric Benson gave Troy Pomalau (spelling?) a concussion during a Bengals/Steelers game this year and Troy never said a word about it.

A lot of players play through things. Ted Johnson has talked about the Patriots forcing him to play through concussions, and at this point he says his life is basically hell because of it. Again, as fans it is easy to say the game is becoming sissified, but it isnt our health on the line. And for the life of me, I still cant figure out how someone can watch an NFL game and think it is sissy at all. They knock the absolute hell out of each other, and that isnt going to change.

Here is a story on Johnson, and this is exactly what the rules regarding blows to the head are trying to prevent, or at least cutting down on these types of situation.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/02/02/i_dont_want_anyone_to_end_up_like_me/

[scmarcos]

How long until they get rid of offensive lines, and you have to count to three Mississippi to blitz? Maybe they can also have automatic downing of all kickoffs so no one gets hurt by some bad men making a "wedge". I'm sick of the Commissioners and owners changing the games. I will not be attending any games this year, and any merchandise purchases will be put off until next year at the very least.

Hopefully though there is a league killing strike and I don't have to worry about it. If I have to do without something I love for a season or two to get rid of Goodell then so be it.

[dannyg79]

How long until they get rid of offensive lines, and you have to count to three Mississippi to blitz? Maybe they can also have automatic downing of all kickoffs so no one gets hurt by some bad men making a "wedge". I'm sick of the Commissioners and owners changing the games. I will not be attending any games this year, and any merchandise purchases will be put off until next year at the very least.

Hopefully though there is a league killing strike and I don't have to worry about it. If I have to do without something I love for a season or two to get rid of Goodell then so be it.

This is what I mean by over reacting. New rules come out every year, and every year people act like the league is ruined. The fans who will stick around and watch will be just as into the NFL as they have been in the past, and will hardly even notice the rule changes, other than the occasional flag.

[scmarcos]

This is what I mean by over reacting. New rules come out every year, and every year people act like the league is ruined. The fans who will stick around and watch will be just as into the NFL as they have been in the past, and will hardly even notice the rule changes, other than the occasional flag.


Oh, I'll still watch. I just won't go to games or purchase anything.

[dannyg79]

Oh, I'll still watch. I just won't go to games or purchase anything.

Which is your choice. Heinz field will still sell out every week Im sure.

[scmarcos]

Which is your choice. Heinz field will still sell out every week Im sure.

I'm sure it will.

I just won't be spending my money on a watered down product.

[CaughtInTheMiddle]

Football is a extremely violent game. Just stand on the sidelines of an NFL game and you'll know what I mean. We won't notice much of a difference next season. We have some of greatest athletes in the world playing one of the most violent sports on the planet. They can tweak the rules a bit and it won't bother me. Plus, if it saves a few guys from bad injuries, that's ok with me too. There are still going to be violent contact on every play of every game.

[WhiteHatBobby]

More rule changes Wednesday:

Replay reviews are permitted on:
1. Loose ball situations that are questionable as either fumbles or incomplete passes.
2. Down by contact plays involving a fumble ("ground cannot cause a fumble").
3. On a kickoff, if a loose ball hit the sideline. (PHI-ARZ Conference Championship; a kickoff was called OB when it was recovered in-bounds. Replays showed the ball never touched or crossed the sideline.)

A kickoff that does not travel ten yards (illegal onside kick) is immediately rewarded to the receiving team.

The draft order of NFL teams will now be reordered.
** Picks 1-20: The teams that do not make the playoffs, in reverse order of finishing position.
** Picks 21-24: Conference Quarterfinal (Wild Card) losers, in reverse order of finishing position.
** Picks 25-28: Conference Semifinal losers, in reverse order of finishing position.
** Picks 29-30: Conference Final losers, in reverse order of finishing position.
** Pick 31: Super Bowl loser.
** Pick 32: Super Bowl winner.

This could be called the "New England Patriots Rule". Despite not making the playoffs and being 11-5, they pick 23rd. Three playoff teams pick before them.

Referee's signal when play is ready will start the clock on all fumbles and laterals that go out of bounds.

[murphy]

Which is your choice. Heinz field will still sell out every week Im sure.

Indeed...I'll be there for most of them. I am certain that Harrison, Woodley, Polamalu, and company will still be delivering their usual brutal hits on anyone in an opposing jersey.

I am more interested in the stuff that is now eligible to be reviewed, rather than being upset because 10 people aren't clumped together on an onside kick attempt.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

More rule changes Wednesday:

Replay reviews are permitted on:
1. Loose ball situations that are questionable as either fumbles or incomplete passes.
2. Down by contact plays involving a fumble ("ground cannot cause a fumble").
3. On a kickoff, if a loose ball hit the sideline. (PHI-ARZ Conference Championship; a kickoff was called OB when it was recovered in-bounds. Replays showed the ball never touched or crossed the sideline.)

A kickoff that does not travel ten yards (illegal onside kick) is immediately rewarded to the receiving team.

The draft order of NFL teams will now be reordered.
** Picks 1-20: The teams that do not make the playoffs, in reverse order of finishing position.
** Picks 21-24: Conference Quarterfinal (Wild Card) losers, in reverse order of finishing position.
** Picks 25-28: Conference Semifinal losers, in reverse order of finishing position.
** Picks 29-30: Conference Final losers, in reverse order of finishing position.
** Pick 31: Super Bowl loser.
** Pick 32: Super Bowl winner.

This could be called the "New England Patriots Rule". Despite not making the playoffs and being 11-5, they pick 23rd. Three playoff teams pick before them.

Referee's signal when play is ready will start the clock on all fumbles and laterals that go out of bounds.

I heard it was more about the Chargers than the Patriots...

[badkarma]

I don't particularly like the Ward rule, I think it may severely limit the blocking a wide-out can do as a play moves up field. Buty I think we will have to wait and see how that plays out.
hat tackle, when Pollard was on the ground but lunged at Brady, was legal last season. It won't be in '09.
This is what I think is ridiculous. Telling a defense that they are not allowed to make a tackle of the ground is just assinine. I also wonder, will we see an increase in chop blocks now?

[Dr. Funkenstein]

I don't particularly like the Ward rule, I think it may severely limit the blocking a wide-out can do as a play moves up field. Buty I think we will have to wait and see how that plays out.

About the only thing I can say about WR blocking is that I think they shouldn't be leaving their feet to block anyway. It only serves to get people hurt. I only saw Ward's block on Rivers once, so I don't remember if that statement applies to him.



that tackle, when Pollard was on the ground but lunged at Brady, was legal last season. It won't be in '09.

This is what I think is ridiculous. Telling a defense that they are not allowed to make a tackle of the ground is just assinine. I also wonder, will we see an increase in chop blocks now?

I think it's just tackling the quarterback in the manner that Pollard did (and like Von Oelhoffen on Palmer in '05) that's being outlawed. I don't like it either, but the league and its owners have invested so much money in the quarterback position that they feel they have to protect the investment.

[badkarma]

About the only thing I can say about WR blocking is that I think they shouldn't be leaving their feet to block anyway. It only serves to get people hurt. I only saw Ward's block on Rivers once, so I don't remember if that statement applies to him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPbraVljIrc

Bad quality but on the replay you get a clear look at the hit. Ward was clearly in front of Rivers, lowered his head and blocked him cleanly. Rivers was simply not aware of the other players on the field, which is his responsibility. With this rule change, I do not think Ward could have possibly blocked rivers legally in that situation.

[dannyg79]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPbraVljIrc

Bad quality but on the replay you get a clear look at the hit. Ward was clearly in front of Rivers, lowered his head and blocked him cleanly. Rivers was simply not aware of the other players on the field, which is his responsibility. With this rule change, I do not think Ward could have possibly blocked rivers legally in that situation.

He can still block him, it just cant be a helmet to helmet hit basically. I think a lot of these rules actually bring technique and fundamentals back into the game. I dont think these rules hurt the game at all. The only one I am not big on is the "Brady" rule.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPbraVljIrc

Bad quality but on the replay you get a clear look at the hit. Ward was clearly in front of Rivers, lowered his head and blocked him cleanly. Rivers was simply not aware of the other players on the field, which is his responsibility. With this rule change, I do not think Ward could have possibly blocked rivers legally in that situation.

Well, like I said...the only problem I have is people leaving their feet to hit people up high and turning themselves into a missile.

[DaGooseMon]

Well, like I said...the only problem I have is people leaving their feet to hit people up high and turning themselves into a missile.


You know we're talking about Football, not Hockey. Get over it already. You've been arguing that "missile" position since January.

[DaGooseMon]

About the only thing I can say about WR blocking is that I think they shouldn't be leaving their feet to block anyway. It only serves to get people hurt. I only saw Ward's block on Rivers once, so I don't remember if that statement applies to him.

snip...


Here's the moment of impact. Look at Ward's feet.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Here's the moment of impact. Look at Ward's feet.

Again...I wasn't accusing Ward of doing that. I pretty clearly stated that I didn't see it but once. At that time, it was a completely legal hit.

I was speaking in generalities, not specifically about Ward.

[dannyg79]

You know we're talking about Football, not Hockey. Get over it already. You've been arguing that "missile" position since January.

The goal of football has never been to knock people out though, which is the only thing head to head contact and leading with the crown is good for. Just like its not hockey, it also isnt boxing. Dr. Funk has more than a legit point and I absolutely agree with him. Ward can make that block on Rivers just as affectively without putting the crown of his helmet on Rivers chin.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

You know we're talking about Football, not Hockey. Get over it already. You've been arguing that "missile" position since January.

So because you're tired of hearing it, I'm supposed to change my opinion? :mrgreen:

[Dr. Funkenstein]

The goal of football has never been to knock people out though, which is the only thing head to head contact is good for. Just like its not hockey, it also isnt boxing. Dr. Funk has more than a legit point and I absolutely agree with him. Ward can make that block on Rivers just as affectively without putting the crown of his helmet on Rivers chin.

Ward's hit was clean to me. He stayed down and drove into Rivers. It was unfortunate that Rivers got hurt, but I didn't see that as dangerous or intent to injure.

[dannyg79]

Ward's hit was clean to me. He stayed down and drove into Rivers. It was unfortunate that Rivers got hurt, but I didn't see that as dangerous or intent to injure.

Possibly, I havent seen that hit in a while so you might be right. But the point still stands. Using the crown of your helmet to hit another player in the head is bad technique and completely unncessecary in the NFL. If they dont try to adjust the rules here and there somebody is going to end up getting killed.

[murphy]

About the only thing I can say about WR blocking is that I think they shouldn't be leaving their feet to block anyway. It only serves to get people hurt. I only saw Ward's block on Rivers once, so I don't remember if that statement applies to him.



I think it's just tackling the quarterback in the manner that Pollard did (and like Von Oelhoffen on Palmer in '05) that's being outlawed. I don't like it either, but the league and its owners have invested so much money in the quarterback position that they feel they have to protect the investment.

Gotta disagree with you a bit, Dr. Funk...Kimo was blocked into Palmer.

That whole "protect the investment" argument drives me insane, as well. I have an idea: DON'T PAY THEM SO MUCH!!!! With such a game, injuries are the risk...every player stepping on the field understands that every play could be the last one he plays. The owners should understand this, as well.

[dannyg79]

Gotta disagree with you a bit, Dr. Funk...Kimo was blocked into Palmer.

That whole "protect the investment" argument drives me insane, as well. I have an idea: DON'T PAY THEM SO MUCH!!!! With such a game, injuries are the risk...every player stepping on the field understands that every play could be the last one he plays. The owners should understand this, as well.

Most of the rules changes over the years revolve around QBs and receivers because they are typically in the most vulnerable positions. So while yes, there is certainly a "protect the investment" aspect of it, those are also the 2 positions who tend to put themselves in the most danger. If there werent special rules specifically designed to protect the QB, then a QB would never finish a game.

ANd even under the new rule, I dont think Kimo wouldve been called a penalty. After hearing people talk about it, I dont think it is going to be as big a deal as people are making of it. In most cases, a defender hitting a QB in the knees is being pushed or blocked into his knees, which is not supposed to be a penalty.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Gotta disagree with you a bit, Dr. Funk...Kimo was blocked into Palmer.

Pollard was blocked into Brady too. They're nearly exactly the same hits. I don't think either was intent to injure in the slightest, and I think it's stupid that they've enacted this rule.

That whole "protect the investment" argument drives me insane, as well. I have an idea: DON'T PAY THEM SO MUCH!!!! With such a game, injuries are the risk...every player stepping on the field understands that every play could be the last one he plays. The owners should understand this, as well.

The owners know that a great QB is their best chance at a title. For as great as the Steelers defense was over the last 20 years or so, how many SB's did they win before Roethlisberger showed up?

And don't forget...you have to pay a premium for a scarce product. Today, there are maybe 15 QB's in the NFL capable of leading a team to the Super Bowl. There are 32 teams. Someone's gonna pay one of those 15 the money they want.

[DaGooseMon]

The goal of football has never been to knock people out though, which is the only thing head to head contact and leading with the crown is good for. Just like its not hockey, it also isnt boxing. Dr. Funk has more than a legit point and I absolutely agree with him. Ward can make that block on Rivers just as affectively without putting the crown of his helmet on Rivers chin.

You ever boxed or played football? When I boxed, I had one mission, knock people out. When I played football, one mission, knock people out. When I fought in Karate tournaments, one mission, knock people out. Never played hockey, but I'm pretty sure, my mission would have been to knock people out. Contact sports, they are a bitch...

And my point about hockey was, it is against the rules to leave your feet when hitting. It's not in football.

[DaGooseMon]

So because you're tired of hearing it, I'm supposed to change my opinion? :mrgreen:

Well, yeah. Duh. :lol:

I'm pretty sure that's in the TOS somewhere. :lol:

[DaGooseMon]

Possibly, I havent seen that hit in a while so you might be right. But the point still stands. Using the crown of your helmet to hit another player in the head is bad technique and completely unncessecary in the NFL. If they dont try to adjust the rules here and there somebody is going to end up getting killed.

Your point doesn't stand because Ward didn't use the crown of his helmet. And that is already against the rules. Has been since I was a kid.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Well, yeah. Duh. :lol:

I'm pretty sure that's in the TOS somewhere. :lol:

I figured as such.

I missed that line...guess I'll have to re-read it before you have a chance to edit it ;)

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Your point doesn't stand because Ward didn't use the crown of his helmet. And that is already against the rules. Has been since I was a kid.

Right...Ward's was just a violent hit.

[DaGooseMon]

Right...Ward's was just a violent hit.

In a violent game. They know the job is dangerous when they take it.

I'm sick of the nanny state mentality where we all have to protect everyone. Protect yourself. Play the game.

[murphy]

Pollard was blocked into Brady too. They're nearly exactly the same hits. I don't think either was intent to injure in the slightest, and I think it's stupid that they've enacted this rule.



The owners know that a great QB is their best chance at a title. For as great as the Steelers defense was over the last 20 years or so, how many SB's did they win before Roethlisberger showed up?

And don't forget...you have to pay a premium for a scarce product. Today, there are maybe 15 QB's in the NFL capable of leading a team to the Super Bowl. There are 32 teams. Someone's gonna pay one of those 15 the money they want.

I hear ya, but the owners and players have to accept some risk here. You can't expect defenders to go full bore and then turn on a dime because the quarterback might get a boo-boo. I can't imagine how a player is on the ground, sees the quarterback still holding the ball and doesn't attempt to finish him.:wall:

[dannyg79]

You ever boxed or played football? When I boxed, I had one mission, knock people out. When I played football, one mission, knock people out. When I fought in Karate tournaments, one mission, knock people out. Never played hockey, but I'm pretty sure, my mission would have been to knock people out. Contact sports, they are a bitch...

And my point about hockey was, it is against the rules to leave your feet when hitting. It's not in football.

It doesnt matter what YOUR mission was when playing football, that is not the goal of the game. If you knock someone out in football, and get beat on the scoreboard, then you still lost. Boxing, obviously is different, and knocking someone out is the goal.

And I understood your point. My point was, that an intentional helmet to helmet is only for the purpose of injuring your opponent. And unlike boxing, injuring your opponent isnt the goal of the game in football. So removing some of these hits, still doesnt hurt the integrity of the game in the least.

[dannyg79]

Your point doesn't stand because Ward didn't use the crown of his helmet. And that is already against the rules. Has been since I was a kid.

I didnt say he did. I told Dr. Funk that he could be correct as I havent seen that hit in a while, so my point still stands, even if it doesnt relate specifically to that play. A lot of these helmet to helmet hits are not necessary, unless the goal is to turn your opponents brain into mush.

[Dr. Funkenstein]

I hear ya, but the owners and players have to accept some risk here. You can't expect defenders to go full bore and then turn on a dime because the quarterback might get a boo-boo. I can't imagine how a player is on the ground, sees the quarterback still holding the ball and doesn't attempt to finish him.:wall:

It's quite a dilemma. But when you realize that the players were the driving force behind a lot of these safety changes...I have less of a problem with them.

[dannyg79]

I hear ya, but the owners and players have to accept some risk here. You can't expect defenders to go full bore and then turn on a dime because the quarterback might get a boo-boo. I can't imagine how a player is on the ground, sees the quarterback still holding the ball and doesn't attempt to finish him.:wall:

I dont think they expect that, this rule doesnt prevent the QB from being hit, it just tries to lessen the # of knees injuries. If a player is on the ground, then he really isnt going full bore at that point. From a fans standpoint, I can almost promise that the game will look the same next year as it did this year. None of these rules are real drastic changes.

[scmarcos]

Pretty soon they will paint the portion of the Quarterback between his thighs and his chest pink and that will be the only place you can touch him.

It'll be great for everyone!!! Quarterbacks salaries will continue to skyrocket, while their risk during the game plummets!

The fans won't notice any difference, well except the ticket prices going through the roof.

[dannyg79]

Pretty soon they will paint the portion of the Quarterback between his thighs and his chest pink and that will be the only place you can touch him.

It'll be great for everyone!!! Quarterbacks salaries will continue to skyrocket, while their risk during the game plummets!

The fans won't notice any difference, well except the ticket prices going through the roof.

What does any of this have to do with ticket prices? It isnt like NFL players just started getting paid great salaries this offseason

[scmarcos]

What does any of this have to do with ticket prices? It isnt like NFL players just started getting paid great salaries this offseason


The ever increasing salaries given out to athletes playing the watered down game is the reason ticket prices are so high. The NFL is cutting out the normal fan, soon enough it will just be for big shots to woo their clients.

The culture of telling their fans to get bent and the pussification of the sport are exactly why I am rooting for labor strife and a lockout.

[dannyg79]

The ever increasing salaries given out to athletes playing the watered down game is the reason ticket prices are so high. The NFL is cutting out the normal fan, soon enough it will just be for big shots to woo their clients.

The culture of telling their fans to get bent and the pussification of the sport are exactly why I am rooting for labor strife and a lockout.

Ticket prices have nothing to do with these rule changes. And high priced tickets have been going on for years, but in most places they are still reasonable if you can get them from the team and not a broker.

[scmarcos]

I'll just stick to baseball (they somewhat care about the regular fan) and Pitt football. The NFL can eat it, they'll get none of my money.

[dannyg79]

I like baseball too, but hard to convince me they are better to fans than the NFL. Some of their playoff games end at 130 in the morning for god sakes, not really looking after the fan with that.

[WhiteHatBobby]

It's quite a dilemma. But when you realize that the players were the driving force behind a lot of these safety changes...I have less of a problem with them.

Good point. Players wanted safety changes to be made. When ex-players are doing research into safety, illegal hits, and concussions, and this becomes a major study, what happens?

[Dr. Funkenstein]

I like baseball too, but hard to convince me they are better to fans than the NFL. Some of their playoff games end at 130 in the morning for god sakes, not really looking after the fan with that.

Don't even get me started on Game 3 of the World Series this year. I don't care if it was on a Saturday...I had football in the morning, damn it!

[Dr. Funkenstein]

Good point. Players wanted safety changes to be made. When ex-players are doing research into safety, illegal hits, and concussions, and this becomes a major study, what happens?

Depends on how vocal the players are about the results.

[Dragon1963]

I can see 58-49 games as a norm with the changes.

[CaughtInTheMiddle]

I was searching YouTube for some violent NFL tackles and ran across this. There are some nasty hits in here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vITlBEsChU0

[STEEL]

Your point doesn't stand because Ward didn't use the crown of his helmet. And that is already against the rules. Has been since I was a kid.

Maybe the rule should read "what biased fans perceive as helmet contact". That way the league can please all of the Bengal / Seahawk / Titan fans.

I'm not sure if they could find enough fans to cover all of the games though.

[dannyg79]

Maybe the rule should read "what biased fans perceive as helmet contact". That way the league can please all of the Bengal / Seahawk / Titan fans.

I'm not sure if they could find enough fans to cover all of the games though.

Yeah, because so many of these rule changes have to do with Titans and Seahawks games last year.

[Marijuana_MyAntiDrug]

Harrison rips new NFL rules

By: Christopher Price (http://www.weei.com/columnists/christopher-price)

Appearing on "The Dan Patrick Show" Wednesday, safety Rodney Harrison safety spoke out against the new NFL rules. Harrison said "the game is going to slow down and it's going to get softer. It's like patty-cake right now." Earlier this week, NFL owners agreed to a series of new rules to protect offensive players, including new a rule penalizing players for blind-side blocks, as well as one where defenders cannot hit a quarterback once they are knocked down to the ground if the play is still in progress. For a summary of his quotes and audio of the interview, click here (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/59284/index.html?eref=fromSI). For Patriots' news, check out our football blog, "It Is What It Is." (http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/)

[murphy]

I'll just stick to baseball (they somewhat care about the regular fan) and Pitt football. The NFL can eat it, they'll get none of my money.

Yeah, 'cause the Nutting family sure cares about the fans and giving them a team that can contend for something other than "Laughingstock of MLB Award".

I must have been watching different games than you this year. Because I saw plenty of massive hits. The rule I'm not sure I like is the "can't go after the quarterback if you're on the ground" but I sure understand the argument some have made here that knees are fragile joints. I'll see how it plays out. But never attend another game at Heinz Field???? Perish the thought!!!!

And, be careful about attending Pitt games..you know where they play...and that where some of that money will go...:whistle:

[stodr]

before they made the rule about going after the quarterback when you are on the ground they should have made it mandatory that quarterbacks wear knee braces.

[STEEL]

Yeah, because so many of these rule changes have to do with Titans and Seahawks games last year.

I didn't say it did now did I?

It is always the same fans bitching and moaning about this stuff.

Titan
Seahawk
Bengal

Add in Patriot fans but there are quite a few nowadays so it would have ruined my joke.


EDIT: I will admit that the Titan fan think was brand new this year. Once they went 5-0 the fans came out of nowhere (I didn't think they existed). You guys did not act like you had been there before and were just flat out obnoxious. Would it make you feel better if I removed your team from the list because there really aren't any real fans (just fairweather)?

[Sennik]

The only thing I liked from the link in the OP was putting a point of emphasis on holding penalties. As a former lineman (both OL and DL) it pains me to see the absolute horrid fundamentals displayed in the trenches in recent years.

Hopefully the coaches and players will respond and get back to emphasizing proper technique, utilizing leverage, etc better.

[WhiteHatBobby]

Depends on how vocal the players are about the results.

And remember, Troy Vincent, a former member of the secondary, is the president of the players union. These rules probably came recommended by the players union for the safety of players in post-career situations. It's better for a former player to live a full life as a regular human than to require treatment day in and day out for the rest of his life because of an excessive number of concussions.

[ImNewHere]

Baseball rules. :)

You must be a Bengals fan.

[Dual867PowerMac]

You must be a Bengals fan.
Nah. Colts.

[ManOfFaith]

I'm for making the padding and helmets less effective. If Steeler cowards didn't have NASA helmets, they wouldn't have speared their opponents as often.

They took football to a low point.

[Mohawk5]

Take the pads of and just play two hand touch!