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New helmet rule could make NFL unrecognizable

infantrycak said:
Watch, it's only going to be used for egregious cases. The sky is not falling
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You're probably right, but the wording change gives total discretion to the refs, which can't be challenged or evaluated as long as the head is lowered to any extent, in any situation. This seems to be not only an unnecessary rule change, but also an extremely unhelpful rule change to the intended safety of the game. I can't see how this has changed anything for the player safety, but rather has changed in order to protect the refs from criticism which they bore in past seasons for many of those calls.
 
infantrycak said:
Watch, it's only going to be used for egregious cases. The sky is not falling
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Doc is exactly right. This protects the refs, nobody else. Define egregious in this case. So anytime a running back or wide receiver instinctively, or subconsciously lowers his head to protect himself, he’s taking a risk of having a flag thrown? Let’s see how many games get decided this season because of it. Then we can decide wherther the sky is falling or not.
 
You're just being silly. Nobody is talking about instinctive huddling in anticipation of being hit. They're talking about the helmet being used offensively as a weapon. The difference is hard to write down on paper but very easy to see in games.

This is just an expansion of the 1976 anti-spearing rule. The sky is not falling.
 
Marcus said:
Doc is exactly right. This protects the refs, nobody else. Define egregious in this case. So anytime a running back or wide receiver instinctively, or subconsciously lowers his head to protect himself, he’s taking a risk of having a flag thrown? Let’s see how many games get decided this season because of it. Then we can decide wherther the sky is falling or not.
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Yep,

Makes it very easy to rig games, now that the catch rule has gone away.
 
infantrycak said:
Hey, Alex Jones, where does this rig games stuff come from?

And refs have had the power to rig games forever: off-sides, false start, holding, PI, puhleeze.
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So you're saying games have never been rigged?

How's life in fantasyland?
 
“Incidental” helmet contact during “conventional” tackling or blocking is permitted
July 6, 2018, 7:23 AM EDT

Each effort to inject more clarity into the new helmet rule invites more potential ambiguity to its eventual application.

The latest new item of evidence regarding the broad, possibly revolutionary rule comes from an apparent 11th-hour addition to the new language of the specific provision of the unnecessary roughness rule that relates to helmet use. Of course, that’s not where the rule prohibiting the lowering of the helmet to initiate contact appears; the unnecessary roughness rule generally bans ramming, spearing, or butting with any portion of the helmet, without a requirement that the helmet be lowered or that contact be initiated.

The new language comes in the form of a “note” that apparently was added at some point after the league (incorrectly) cited to Dom Cosentino of Deadspin.com the unnecessary roughness rule as the codification of the new helmet rule. Here’s the full text of the new note: “This provision does not prohibit incidental contact by the mask or the helmet in the course of a conventional tackle or block on an opponent.”

So the new formulation of this specific aspect of the unnecessary roughness rule has removed the prior requirement that the butting, spearing, or ramming be violent or unnecessary, but it has added a caveat that allows incidental helmet contact arising from “conventional” tackling or blocking. Which means that the unnecessary roughness rule for 2018 encompasses non-incidental and/or unconventional use of the helmet, without the lowering of the helmet or initiating contact with it — and without regard to whether the use of the helmet was violent or unnecessary.

This leaves the league’s game officials with a jumbled stew of phrases and clauses that they will try to apply in real time, with consistency, accuracy, and reliability. Amid the unprecedented departure of nearly 25 percent of the league’s referees. With ever-enhancing attention and scrutiny, thanks to the spread of legalized gambling.

In more than three months since the new helmet rule first made its appearance, as an unexpected and unpublished proposal submitted to owners without anyone outside the league knowing about it, multiple coaches and league officials have tried to downplay its eventual breadth and impact. With each additional adjustment to the rulebook, however, it’s become clear that this is indeed a big deal.

And that it has the potential to become an even bigger mess.
 
I understand and even applaud their efforts at protecting the players. Howevr, I am expecting this to end up being a total cluster puck of the first order.
 
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I think its supposed to warn offensive player that the "spearing" rule is going to be called on them now too.

For example, this lick would get Earl fined and/or tossed out with this change.


Wussification of the NFL continues.
 
So let me get this straight...? Players are so stupid that they couldn't possibly know to only use the helmet as protection. That they would actually have to run up to player and use their arms which is healthier and safer..and actually more effective..and what players in leather helmet days were completely capable of ,without needing to be told.....
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
Roquan Smith’s holdout centers on new NFL helmet-contact rule

***************************************************

This rule is going to create havoc this season. Teams have been having their players meet with NFL refs in order to have them teach what is an infraction and what is not. The problem is that it has been reported that even the refs have not consistently agreed when presenting film examples.:toropalm:
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What a mess,

But I guess with the catch rule being fixed, (Finally) The NFL/Go'dell have found a new way to rig games.

Take the helments off, problem solved. If you really want to head down this rabbit hole.
 
Mollywhopper said:
Which games would you suggest have been rigged?
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Oilers vs Bills would be #1 on my list.

Catch games Dallas vs GB. Dallas vs Detroit the game before the Dez catch game.

Last yrs regular season Pats vs Steelers.

Fans could see what was so they changed the catch rule, but the helment/defensive/offensive holding penalties are the easiest way to fix games.

This yr look at the point spreads, then look at how the games are called by the refs to keep the games within the point spreads. This is the reason I dont bet on NFL games anymore.
 
steelbtexan said:
Oilers vs Bills would be #1 on my list.

Catch games Dallas vs GB. Dallas vs Detroit the game before the Dez catch game.

Last yrs regular season Pats vs Steelers.

Fans could see what was so they changed the catch rule, but the helment/defensive/offensive holding penalties are the easiest way to fix games.

This yr look at the point spreads, then look at how the games are called by the refs to keep the games within the point spreads. This is the reason I dont bet on NFL games anymore.
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So you think the Oilers were in on it?

And the Dez 'catch' wasn't a catch. What did the refs calling by the rule have to do with rigging?

Vegas is right far more than they aren't, so any differentiation = rigging?

Honestly, why do you watch? Is it an ego thing?
 
Mollywhopper said:
So you think the Oilers were in on it?

And the Dez 'catch' wasn't a catch. What did the refs calling by the rule have to do with rigging?

Vegas is right far more than they aren't, so any differentiation = rigging?

Honestly, why do you watch? Is it an ego thing?
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I like the strategy and seeing young drafted guys grow up.

I also like seeing how a team is constructed to win a championship. The Eagles last yr are great example of how to use FA/Draft/Trades to win a championship.

I used to like the hard hits before the rules got changed.

Google 1976 Pats vs Raiders playoff game.
 
steelbtexan said:
I like the strategy and seeing young drafted guys grow up.

I also like seeing how a team is constructed to win a championship. The Eagles last yr are great example of how to use FA/Draft/Trades to win a championship.

I used to like the hard hits before the rules got changed.

Google 1976 Pats vs Raiders playoff game.
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So like I said.
 
NFL tries to clarify the helmet rule that nobody seems to like

Frank Schwab
Yahoo SportsAugust 1, 2018, 1:02 PM CDT



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Scroll back up to restore default view.

Because the NFL brought so much attention to its biggest mess this offseason, the other potential controversy hasn’t gotten a lot of attention.

But the new helmet rule has gotten a lot of attention from players and coaches, who seem concerned about the ramifications. In an attempt to stop that controversy, the NFL sent out a “fact sheet” to clarify what the new rule entails.

[Yahoo Fantasy Football leagues are open: Sign up now for free]

It draws attention to the fact that, with the preseason starting Thursday with the Hall of Fame game, there’s still plenty of confusion.

What are the specifics of the rule?
Officials have been visiting teams during training camps to educate them about the rule. The league has spent plenty of time on education for the rule, with educational sessions with coaches and webinars and conference calls with all 32 coaching staffs in May. Still, questions remain, so the league put out the fact sheet.

The two main points were the language of the rule and the penalty. The rule is as follows:

“As approved by NFL clubs in March, it is a foul if a player lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent. Contact does not have to be to an opponent’s head or neck area – lowering the head and initiating contact to an opponent’s torso, hips, and lower body, is also a foul. Violations of the rule will be easier to see and officiate when they occur in open space – as opposed to close line play – but this rule applies anywhere on the field at any time.”

The questions about what would constitute a penalty and what would lead to an ejection have been questioned, and it has even been at the heart of the final first-round holdout, Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith:

Penalties for Violation: Loss of 15 yards. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down. The player may also be ejected. Ejection standards:
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https://www.yahoo.com/sports/nfl-tries-clarify-helmet-rule-nobody-seems-like-180258450.html
 
Mollywhopper said:
Which games would you suggest have been rigged?
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steelbtexan said:
Oilers vs Bills would be #1 on my list.

Catch games Dallas vs GB. Dallas vs Detroit the game before the Dez catch game.

Last yrs regular season Pats vs Steelers.

Fans could see what was so they changed the catch rule, but the helment/defensive/offensive holding penalties are the easiest way to fix games.
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I'd even put the Patriots / Texans game on that list. Watch the game winning catch by the Pats WR. The ball hit the ground and bobbled out of the WR's hands. NOT a catch by definition. BUT, it was Mrs. Brady and the Pats, so TD.
Yes, I hate the Patriots, but that was not a catch. Hell, the announcers didn't even make light of it when the replays were being shown.
 
austins23 said:

The ball moves.....I'm still pissed about that game!
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I was there, The Pats killed the Texans secondary using crossing routes all day. Hopefully with safeties like KJax/Mathieu/Ried that wont be happening in week 1.
 
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Okay.. I'm watching this HOF game.. and this new helmet rule is ABSOLUTE BULLSHIT. If they make these type of calls in the regular season I'm turning the damn TV off. How in the hell do you even play defense in this league?!

The Bears played absolutely perfect coverage on the Ravens TE in the end zone and the freaking ref throws a bullshit unnecessary roughness flag thus putting the ball on the 1 yard line..touchdown. what a load of crap. I'll try to find the play when it becomes available.
 
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Shitty call after shitty call.. this is not football.

They're acting like it's the damn body bag game out there with all of these calls.
 
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This rule takes away natural instincts. When a player (any player) is about to be hit, the natural instinct is to lower the head and crouch the body for protection. Just having to think about avoiding this type of instinctual response will create poor play and increase in injuries.

I've gone back and looked at some film, and it seems that on most plays you see linemen on both sides of the LOS bringing their heads down with the anticipation of contact.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
This rule takes away natural instincts. When a player (any player) is about to be hit, the natural instinct is to lower the head and crouch the body for protection. Just having to think about avoiding this type of instinctual response will create poor play and increase in injuries.

I've gone back and looked at some film, and it seems that on most plays you see linemen on both sides of the LOS bringing their heads down with the anticipation of contact.
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Defensive posturing is not a violation of the rule by its plain reading.

And it's rare to have linemen have more than incidental head contact. Whole lot more lineman heads jacked all the way back than forward and being used offensively.
 
CloakNNNdagger said:
This rule takes away natural instincts. When a player (any player) is about to be hit, the natural instinct is to lower the head and crouch the body for protection. Just having to think about avoiding this type of instinctual response will create poor play and increase in injuries.

I've gone back and looked at some film, and it seems that on most plays you see linemen on both sides of the LOS bringing their heads down with the anticipation of contact.
Click to expand...

It's a dumbass rule change that's humanly impossible to play by and even harder to enforce. What's equally stupid is how the league even tied suspensions to this impossible rule.

The NFL has created a rule that actaully makes me feel equally sorry for both the players and the officials..that's how incompetent they are.

Goodell has got to go, he clearly doesn't know what the **** he's doing. He has the greatest/most profitable sports product in this country that sales itself and he just can't help, but consistently make the worst decisions time and time again on almost every league issue. I'm fed up with his crap. He needs to just go.
 
Carr Bombed said:
Goodell has got to go, he clearly doesn't know what the **** he's doing. He has the greatest/most profitable sports product in this country that sales itself and he just can't help, but consistently make the worst decisions time and time again on almost every league issue. I'm fed up with his crap. He needs to just go.
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Goodell doesn't even get a vote on such rule changes. It's the owners.
 
infantrycak said:
Goodell doesn't even get a vote on such rule changes. It's the owners.
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Who is responsible for putting the competition committee together? I mean who decides who gets to come up with this crap every year? I seriously want to know.

Also my desire to see Goodell leave goes beyond just this. He's just not a good commishiner at all.
 
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Carr Bombed said:
Who is responsible for putting the competition committee together? I mean who decides who gets to come up with this crap every year? I seriously want to know.
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The competition committee is either the HC or GM from each team, one guy. Teams can make suggested rule changes (there were like 7 proposed kickoff rules last year) or the committee can come up with suggestions. In the end, all they do is present recommendations to the owners who vote on all rule changes. Goodell is also not a member of the competition committee.

I'm fine with someone wanting rid of Goodell, but rule changes are on the owners.
 
infantrycak said:
The competition committee is either the HC or GM from each team, one guy. Teams can make suggested rule changes (there were like 7 proposed kickoff rules last year) or the committee can come up with suggestions. In the end, all they do is present recommendations to the owners who vote on all rule changes. Goodell is also not a member of the competition committee.

I'm fine with someone wanting rid of Goodell, but rule changes are on the owners.
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Well I guess there's only one thing to do.. hit them where it hurts, their pocketbook.

Lower ratings..means lower TV contract revenue.. Lower TV contract revenue..means lower profits for the owners.. Lower profits for the owners..means rule changes and no contract extension for Goodell in 2021. Kills two birds with one stone.
 
Carr Bombed said:
Okay.. I'm watching this HOF game.. and this new helmet rule is ABSOLUTE BULLSHIT. If they make these type of calls in the regular season I'm turning the damn TV off. How in the hell do you even play defense in this league?!

The Bears played absolutely perfect coverage on the Ravens TE in the end zone and the freaking ref throws a bullshit unnecessary roughness flag thus putting the ball on the 1 yard line..touchdown. what a load of crap. I'll try to find the play when it becomes available.
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That call was bullshit. How are the players supposed to tackle with their facemask only? This is an obvious over-reaction to the Shazier hit imho
 
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