1) Violate the rules and suffer the consequences
2) Quit
I won't get into all this NFL helmet to helmet bullshit that has been on TV (all day) the past 3 days. I'm sure everyone has been made aware and has there opinion. As far as I am concerned the NFL has there so called rules on the matter and when it comes down to it each "hit" is it's own case which is subjective to who dishes out the penalty.
NFL players are very athletic, very fast, and very strong. Every play their instincts tell them to hit or be hit. In a game where decisions are made split second it's hard to always to the legal thing. With that being said if rules are changed then do your best to adapt.
I did find 2 things very interesting while watching countless hours of the media blitz towards this topic.
1) Steelers LB James Harrison stated he does not know if he could continue to play in the NFL if he has to hold back. While I agree that each play is very fast and uncontrollable things happen, I still believe rules are rules and one must do their best to adjust. Or one can deal with the outcome or Quit. I would be interested to see if Mr. Harrison actually quits, and gives up his millions, if the NFL forcefully enforces the issue.
2) Former 49ers QB Steve Young blaming QB's for these brutal hits on the wide receivers. Yes Steve, every QB in the NFL is not as good as you once were. I guess you never threw a bad ball that did or could of put your WR in a bad position to get struck? I guess you don't recall that the QB's are getting chased after by big, fast defenders and have a second to get the ball off? I think blaming the Qb is just plain idiotic and how do we not know it could have been the WR fault for running the wrong pattern?
Whether you agree or disagree with the rule is not the issue. This can be and will be debated and second guessed for forever. The one thing that is clear is that when your employer, the big bossman, lays down the rules then follow them or find a new career.
I hoope Harrison does retire, the NFL would be a much better league without his dirty play. I lost all respect for him when in the Supen Bowl he punched that Cardinals line right in the ole twig and berries. Any man that does that I have no use for, so keep crying James and retire, and see if anybody outside of Pittsburgh careas at all.
ReplyDeleteI blame this whole atmosphere of the "BIG HIT" on one thing.....ESPN.
ReplyDeleteESPN has made a broadcasting network out of showing highlights and in particular the slam dunk, the home run, the knock out hit, the touchdown celebration. Now, every player is conscience of making the Sportscenter highlights.
I like what Mike Ditka said earlier in the week. Take away the facemasks or even go back to a less protective helmet (ie..old leather helmets) and players will soon stop using their heads as weapons and start using the shoulder pads as is the proper way for tackling.
I would even go further to say I bet most pop warner programs and even some high school programs don't teach proper technique like they used to.
oh and by the way, Ditka can talk. He wore a helmet with a mask in Chicago and Dallas, but none as a high school player.
I cant disagree with anything you fine gentlemen have said on this wonderful blog. I do have two comments though.
ReplyDelete1. To hit someone with your shoulder you have to lead with your head, its kind of right there is no way around it. But dont go for someone elses head thats just dirty.
2. Fining players and possibly suspending them with "dirty hits" i have no problem with this just thinks its kind of BS to do it right away to make yourself look good. And by the way the NFL was selling pictures of those hits on their website, must not have been that dirty.
My only question is, Why is it okay for an offensive player to lead and deliver a blow with their head but its not okay for a defensive player to do so?
because they claim the wide receiver per se is "defenseless" when stretched out for the ball....whereas the running back is not defenseless when running through the line of scrimmage...... just what "they" say....
ReplyDeleteHere's a thought.....why is it that when a defensive player touches an offensive player's facemask the refs call facemask (even the less flagrant type), but when a running back delivers stiff arm and pushes a defensive palyer away by putting his hand on the face mask ther's no call??????? things that make you go hummmmmmm.