Is the NFL Getting Too Soft?
For as long as I can remember, I have followed the NFL week in and week out.
I take great pride in understanding the game and the rules.
As time has gone on and the seasons have passed, it seems to me that there is a noticeable difference in the way the game is being played.
Since the players in the league have gotten big, faster, and stronger over the years, severe injuries are becoming more and more constant.
A recent study has shown that the chances of an NFL player suffering from dementia by the age of 50 are higher than ever.
There have been talks of finding a way to make a safer helmet.
In addition to that, there are rumors that there may soon be a weight limit for offensive linemen and also taking away the three point stance for safety reasons.
All of this is understandable, but it will really take away from the game which is known as arguably the roughest sport.
While watching games on Sunday, there are some penalties that just make me cringe.
I understand that when a quarterback is standing in the pocket getting ready to throw he is in a vulnerable position.
However, what I don't understand is why if you don't do a perfect form tackle on him, you will get flagged for roughing the passer.
In my eyes, the quarterback is wearing pads too and I think the rules need to be adjusted slightly.
It can also be argued that prestigious quarterbacks have their own set of rules.
Joey Porter of the Miami Dolphins claimed that Tom Brady has his own set of rules and if he feels that a player is going for his legs then all he has to do is point at the referee and he will get the call.
I'm a diehard Patriots fan and I know it sounds comical, but it really isn't that far from the truth.
Being a former defensive back myself, it kills me to see some of these pass interference calls on cornerbacks on Sundays.
I am not a personal fan of the 5 yard contact rule.
This means that for the first five yards off of the line of scrimmage, the defensive back can hit the receiver.
Once the receiver crosses that five yard point, there is no more contact.
He cannot put a hand on the receiver whatsoever.
I think that there should be some contact allowed.
Man coverage is very hard to play and the defensive back is already at a disadvantage because he doesn't know where the receiver is going.
I am not saying he should be allowed to do whatever he pleases, but I would like to see them be allowed to be a little more physical with them.
In conclusion, being a former player and huge fan of the game, I understand trying to make the game safer but I think there is a line.
I am curious to see how the league changes over the next couple of years.
I take great pride in understanding the game and the rules.
As time has gone on and the seasons have passed, it seems to me that there is a noticeable difference in the way the game is being played.
Since the players in the league have gotten big, faster, and stronger over the years, severe injuries are becoming more and more constant.
A recent study has shown that the chances of an NFL player suffering from dementia by the age of 50 are higher than ever.
There have been talks of finding a way to make a safer helmet.
In addition to that, there are rumors that there may soon be a weight limit for offensive linemen and also taking away the three point stance for safety reasons.
All of this is understandable, but it will really take away from the game which is known as arguably the roughest sport.
While watching games on Sunday, there are some penalties that just make me cringe.
I understand that when a quarterback is standing in the pocket getting ready to throw he is in a vulnerable position.
However, what I don't understand is why if you don't do a perfect form tackle on him, you will get flagged for roughing the passer.
In my eyes, the quarterback is wearing pads too and I think the rules need to be adjusted slightly.
It can also be argued that prestigious quarterbacks have their own set of rules.
Joey Porter of the Miami Dolphins claimed that Tom Brady has his own set of rules and if he feels that a player is going for his legs then all he has to do is point at the referee and he will get the call.
I'm a diehard Patriots fan and I know it sounds comical, but it really isn't that far from the truth.
Being a former defensive back myself, it kills me to see some of these pass interference calls on cornerbacks on Sundays.
I am not a personal fan of the 5 yard contact rule.
This means that for the first five yards off of the line of scrimmage, the defensive back can hit the receiver.
Once the receiver crosses that five yard point, there is no more contact.
He cannot put a hand on the receiver whatsoever.
I think that there should be some contact allowed.
Man coverage is very hard to play and the defensive back is already at a disadvantage because he doesn't know where the receiver is going.
I am not saying he should be allowed to do whatever he pleases, but I would like to see them be allowed to be a little more physical with them.
In conclusion, being a former player and huge fan of the game, I understand trying to make the game safer but I think there is a line.
I am curious to see how the league changes over the next couple of years.
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