So they instituted the “No leading with the crown of your helmet” rule. From the backlash, you’d think they outlawed running the ball. Leading with the crown (The top) of the helmet, ramming your head into another man, jamming your neck, not being able to see where you are going…this is what they outlawed. Only in open space, too, between the tackles is still legal.
How was this a bad idea again? Are people this dense? The NFL is facing a major safety crisis right now. Concussions and CTE threaten the very violent nature of the sport. Players currently playing did not have the proper education on CTE, as it is too recent. While the NFL can not really change the culture of the sport by itself, it can set a good example. Making a blatantly unsafe move illegal is a good step. Some would argue it’s not even enough. People are dying and losing their memories because of this game. Why are people mad about this change? Are people that thirsty for blood? Hell, this rule change is one of the first to go against the offense in ages, it’s more than welcome. Offensive players are getting away with hits far more than defensive players. The rule will have some growing pains, as all judgement based rules have, so we will likely have a few bad calls this coming season as players and officials adjust to it. But we will forget about it soon enough. Most of us in our 20’s never saw the Head Slap get outlawed, and to us it being illegal makes perfect sense. The sport didn’t suffer for it, it simply changed. And that’s the key here.
The fact is, the NFL needs to change, to evolve, in order to survive. Especially in the coming wave of safety concerns. People don’t like change. But change is necessary and good, and in the NFL, it’s literally been happening since it’s inception. The NFL we watch now is not the same sport of 20 years ago. 10 years ago. Even 5 years ago. Times and concerns change, and the game evolves with it. This isn’t the first controversial rule change, and it won’t be the last. You’ll get over it. Everyone will get over it. If people couldn’t get over it, the NFL wouldn’t be so popular. Instead of complaining about what this rule might take away, think about what new aspects it could bring. More elusive space dominating players, perhaps. Regardless of what happens, it’s a step forward, quit complaining and get over it. If you want to stop watching the NFL because you think they are “pussifying” it, then stop. Go watch UFC or something. I’ll be in the bar, watching my team, excited for the future possibilities of the sport.
I’ve read a lot of opinions about the rule change, but this is the best of all. You nailed it, thanks Dave.
Yep, pretty much this
AMEN!!!
*Applause*
Totally agree, and very well put. These players aren’t gladiators, they’re people. If putting in stronger safety rules means I get to watch excellent players like Peyton Manning play for two years longer than they would have, then I’d say it’s well worth it.
I really can’t handle the hipster in the last panel. Bravo.
I’m not sure if it’s funnier that the modern NFL fan has spacers and a scarf or that RG original had a t-shirt line at age 16. Either way Dave you’ve really summed it up nicely here. There was a really good segment in Chuck Klosterman’s “Eating the Dinosaur” about this phenomenon (but more focused on plays than the rules.)
Well said, Dave.
Sexy Rexy loves Gogurt
DUCKIN N DIVIN W/HEAD vontaze cant do that no more, vontaze mad upset but w/e
Interpretation is nice in N Y. But when you are not the giants interpretation sucks.
What do you mean here? That the Giants RBs won’t be affected by this rule change? Bradshaw did this all the time and Andre Brown hurt himself last year doing this very move. It affects the Giants just as much as any other team.
Even the UFC isn’t what it was at the start, thank heavens. “What? They outlawed dick punching? Screw you, UFC, I’m going to go watch Bloodsport again.”