Add to favorites Examiner Bio No wedge rule on kickoffs presents new challenge to Joe

[gary]

Gone are the days of wedge formations on kickoff returns in the NFL.

As part of the ongoing emphasis on player safety, the league has outlawed wedge formations consisting of three or more players.

Drat. No more wedgies.

Seriously though, the idea is to eliminate the violent collisions that have resulted in serious neck injuries to players such as Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills and our very own Cedric Killings .
http://www.examiner.com/x-778-Houston-Texans-Examiner~y2009m8d7-No-wedge-rule-on-kickoffs-presents-new-challenge-to-special-teams-coaches?cid=exrss-Houston-Texans-Examiner

[Malloy]

Glad they're doing it. It'll take some time to get used to, but in the end it'll be just fine.

[Lucky]

From a NY Times article (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/sports/football/24nfl.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all) featuring ex- Redskin Safety and wedge buster Matt Bowen:

“I think we’ll see fewer bigger returns,” Bowen said. “Guys are going to be able to attack the ball carrier more. I think the returner is at some risk, because guys come down faster and there’s some big-time collisions on returners.

“You take one thing away, it just leads to something else.”
I don't see this rule stopping major collisions on kickoffs. I believe we will continue to see injuries on kickoffs, until there are some major advancements in helmet and equipment technology.

[TimeKiller]

Two hand touch on returns.

[steelbtexan]

Two hand touch on returns.

Agreed

I hate that they are trying to legislate violence out of football.

This is a former WR (Gene washington) maing the call on what's violent and isn't vioent.

This will be Washingtons legacy.

He is ruining the game IMO.