Will the NFL soon start wearing hoop skirts?

[Double Barrel]

Well, while I can see both sides of the issue, and I've tried to rationalize the NFL's updated policy with the optimistic hope that it won't change a fundamental nature of the game...

...but, after watching NFL Live last night and seeing the NFL's video to teams, I'm not sure if my optimism was well placed. It was confusing, to say the least, and y'all very well could be right that they are trying to outlaw all powerful hits up the middle. Which, if that's the case, I can see my interest in the sport slowly diminish. The phantom pass interference calls have been bad enough, and the overzealous attitude toward protecting the QBs at all costs continues to water down the pass rush, and if what I think I saw last night comes to pass and defenders are pretty much prevented from any intimidation in the middle of the field...I'm just not sure if this 'new' NFL is one that keeps my attention.

I'm not jumping to conclusions, as a game has yet to be played under the new enforcement policy, and obviously only time will tell. However, that being said, I can see your points about the potential can o' worms that this might be opening and the potential long term repercussions that could result in some fundamental aspects of the game being altered forever.

 

[drs23]

Well, while I can see both sides of the issue, and I've tried to rationalize the NFL's updated policy with the optimistic hope that it won't change a fundamental nature of the game...

...but, after watching NFL Live last night and seeing the NFL's video to teams, I'm not sure if my optimism was well placed. It was confusing, to say the least, and y'all very well could be right that they are trying to outlaw all powerful hits up the middle. Which, if that's the case, I can see my interest in the sport slowly diminish. The phantom pass interference calls have been bad enough, and the overzealous attitude toward protecting the QBs at all costs continues to water down the pass rush, and if what I think I saw last night comes to pass and defenders are pretty much prevented from any intimidation in the middle of the field...I'm just not sure if this 'new' NFL is one that keeps my attention.

I'm not jumping to conclusions, as a game has yet to be played under the new enforcement policy, and obviously only time will tell. However, that being said, I can see your points about the potential can o' worms that this might be opening and the potential long term repercussions that could result in some fundamental aspects of the game being altered forever.

Thank you DB, you just saved me a whole lot of typing.

 

[Rey]

Well, while I can see both sides of the issue, and I've tried to rationalize the NFL's updated policy with the optimistic hope that it won't change a fundamental nature of the game...

...but, after watching NFL Live last night and seeing the NFL's video to teams, I'm not sure if my optimism was well placed. It was confusing, to say the least, and y'all very well could be right that they are trying to outlaw all powerful hits up the middle. Which, if that's the case, I can see my interest in the sport slowly diminish. The phantom pass interference calls have been bad enough, and the overzealous attitude toward protecting the QBs at all costs continues to water down the pass rush, and if what I think I saw last night comes to pass and defenders are pretty much prevented from any intimidation in the middle of the field...I'm just not sure if this 'new' NFL is one that keeps my attention.

I'm not jumping to conclusions, as a game has yet to be played under the new enforcement policy, and obviously only time will tell. However, that being said, I can see your points about the potential can o' worms that this might be opening and the potential long term repercussions that could result in some fundamental aspects of the game being altered forever.

...must spread rep....

Good post...Especially the part about a game having not been played yet...


But you pretty much nailed why I am personally concerned about this...I know a lot of people will disagree, but the Dunta hit was completely legal IMO. Obviously he was not trying to do anything dirty, or he wouldn't have hurt himself...It's just part of the game...Players get hit hard, sometimes they hit a player in the head and it's not intentional...

I just don't want the intimidation factor of a WR running across the middle to be taken out of the game...That would really suck IMO...Those are some of the best hits...

And yes, some players sustain injuries when that happens, but out of all the times it's happens I would guess that the percentage is very small for those suffering serious injuries...

Just seems like high profile hits, public perception, and marketing determine the NFL's decisions in this regard and not the actual player safety. They even went as far as to sell pictures of the 'illegal' hits.

But yeah, I'm with you...I just don't want to see guys hesitating to make hits and/or getting suspended for trying to make a play...

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Now for the coaches and teams..............

Titans' William Hayes fined, could get coach and team fined

Posted by Michael David Smith on October 23, 2010 1:25 PM ET
Titans defensive end William Hayes was fined $10,000 this week for a late hit. When he found out about the fine, he made some comments that could get a Titans coach and the Titans' franchise fined as well.

"I'm trying to figure out what it was about,'' Hayes said, per Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. "I guess you can't run and tackle no more. I got fined for running to the ball and tackling. I talked to my coach and he felt the same way. Next time I'll just fall at the line of scrimmage and they'll probably get me for a clipping call or some [expletive].''

Hayes didn't specify which coach felt the same way, but his comments could result in the Titans and/or a Titans coach getting fined as well.

When NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell distributed his memo on illegal hits this week, he made a specific point of saying that "Coaches are expected to teach playing within the rules. Failure to do so will subject both the coach and the employing club to discipline." But if Hayes broke a rule and he's being told by one of his coaches that he didn't do anything wrong, that would indicate that the Titans' coaches aren't teaching playing within the rules.

So maybe Hayes won't be the only one fined for that late hit.