Hitting another player in the NFL used to be what people came to see. The sheer violence of one player crashing into another player at high speeds was exciting. While it still is, things are changing in the NFL and it may not be for the better either. There are now multiple helmet/tackling rules that may cause more confusion and less hitting. Here is a look at the two separate rules and their effect on the game.
Rule 12-2-8 Use of Helmet defines as follows: It is a foul lowers his head to initiate and make contact with his helmet against an opponent. The infraction will be a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. The infracting player is also subject to disqualification. This is the rule number placement in to the 2018 Rule Book. It was passed on March 28.
This rule is similar to the targeting rule in college. A rule that I find very successful. The college game has become a lot safer regarding hitting above the shoulders. It has also made tackling safer for the tackler. More times than not the tackler is the one who is suffering the more severe injury by compressing his neck and spine upon contact.
The second rule is an addition to the Unnecessary Roughness rule. It prohibits the ramming, butting, or spearing with the helmet in a necessary or non-rough way. To me, I already thought this rule was in place. I mean spearing has been called many times in my life as an NFL fan. Not sure why this is even an issue?
The only thing I can see is if a player comes barreling into a player who is already deemed to be down or stopped. This rule is going to be one of the most confusing. It is going to lead to less wrapping up and possibly more attempts at arm tackles. Meanwhile, if a player has been ruled to be stopped by forward progress and another defender gives a love tap with the helmet, he could be flagged on the play. At least that is how I am reading into the rule. Therefore this could lead to many “Unnecessary” penalties.
Two different rules with many different interpretations. This could thus make the NFL a less attractive game for those who like to see hits. Hard hits even.
How do you feel about the new hitting rules in the NFL? Leave a comment below.
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