On the one hand. It'sfootball. And, most of us fans miss the pre concussion crissis rule book days.
However. And this is key. 90% of teams, coaches & players have adopted the "new way" nfl. It has led to qb's running wild, as defenders hold back to avoid the flags & fines that became a big part of game day the past few seasons. I said 90% have adopted the change. Theres a few that refuse. John Harbaugh, Sean Payton & Kyle Shannahan.
It probably sounds like sour grapes. But it isnt.
If my team is holding back. And the opponent is laying lumber like its 1985. There is a total competitive disadvantage for the team that embraces the rules.
Depending upon the officiating crew. It can be an incredible advantage as well as a dynamic in game momentum catalyst.
I bltched about it last week. Ive bltched about it before after niner games. These rules need to be enforced 100%. Or never.
In the offseason, the rules committee needs to take a hard look at why, injuries are actually up. And then make the necessary changes. Ie- just like college. Where any sketchy hit stops the game for review. If review confirms. Then the player us ejected. If he's ejected twice in a season. He's done for the year. It needs to be taken a step further. If a team has multiple players violating the injury prevention protocol. The dc & hc start missing games up to a threshold whenst they are banned from the league.
Greg Williams was banned from the nfl after bounty gate. Watching Sean Payton smile & nod in approval during the broncos win streak? I think the nfl banned the wrong coach... But only if the NFL is serious about player safety. If its all politics & lip service? Then fk it. Burn the rule book & $ BOUNTY UP BOYS $!
!
So which is it nfl?
Lawsuit fear mandate or actual change?
So far, it feels like political mandate hogwash.
In the NFL- success breeds imitation.
You can bet more than one HC is watching Payton turn around denver via rule blinders.
What makes it problematic is something Tom Brady mentioned last week in an interview. That much practice time, back in the day, was spent on offenses teaching playmakers how to protect themselves from violent hits. Most teams spend far less time on the drills. Qb's no longer avoid certain throws that lead recievers into harms way. Qb's stand tall longer knowing the defender cant launch head 1st... Until they do.
I feel bad for dtr. Full helmet & face mask. And taken off the field bleeding from the mouth. That was some kind of slobberknocker delivered. A 15 yard penalty? So what. With DTR mandated by protocol removed from game. That hit effectively ended the Browns chances sunday.
Note to Russ Wilson, turnabout is fair play.
Russell Wilson? Watch out! Somebody gonna bounty you before seasons end. Be sure to thank Sean Payton.
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