2011 Spring NFL Owners Meeting

[Hova57]

Just passed the competition committe hit the the helmet of the qb will be case by case so no longer is it automatic 15 yards so hits to Big Ben and Vick last year where the defender is going for a strip and an inadverdent hand to the helmet isn't automatic. Though they weren't called for them two last year. Also on turnovers, kick and punt returns the qb, kicker and punters are no off limits. So no more 350 DT pounding the qb on a interception or blindside hits to kickers and punters on returns.

[N51_rob]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hova57

Just passed the competition committe hit the the helmet of the qb will be case by case so no longer is it automatic 15 yards so hits to Big Ben and Vick last year where the defender is going for a strip and an inadverdent hand to the helmet isn't automatic. Though they weren't called for them two last year. Also on turnovers, kick and punt returns the qb, kicker and punters are no off limits. So no more 350 DT pounding the qb on a interception or blindside hits to kickers and punters on returns.

First, glad that they changed the rule on the helmet hits. It was comical last year on a lot of those hits.

Second, the part that I bolded. If that is the rule, then QB's Kickers and Punters better not be involved in the tackle. Third still about the bolded. Can we now take away kicker and punters pads and helmets. Give them team designed soccer uniforms?

In all seriousness I get the rule and I don't want to see any QB hurt on a turnover, but if they are off limits, they should have to run to the opposite sideline from the ball on a turnover. Because I can see it now, a DE ignores the QB to go block someone else and that QB makes a TD saving tackle.

Very happy about the helmet hits rule change though.

[da ThRONe]

Quote: Originally Posted by Hova57

Just passed the competition committe hit the the helmet of the qb will be case by case so no longer is it automatic 15 yards so hits to Big Ben and Vick last year where the defender is going for a strip and an inadverdent hand to the helmet isn't automatic. Though they weren't called for them two last year. Also on turnovers, kick and punt returns the qb, kicker and punters are no off limits. So no more 350 DT pounding the qb on a interception or blindside hits to kickers and punters on returns.

That penalty wasn't enforced unless it was Brady or Manning. I saw so many Qb's take hits to the helmet go uncalled.

[mestevo]

I think the QB/Punter/Kicker stuff is actually just part of the defenseless receiver stuff. You can hit/block them, you just can't try and split them in two by blasting them when they're not looking.

Only "forcible blows" to the QB's helmet will draw a flag now. Grazing the helmet is a judgement call.

You can no longer launch into any player either prior to contact or at any time while leading with helmet.

All the changes passed 32-0.

PFT says that the league is planning to propose a fine structure for teams that have multiple "player safety fines", encouraging coaches to teach their players proper technique.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...-safety-fines/

[Sportsforever]

Quote: Originally Posted by N51_rob

First, glad that they changed the rule on the helmet hits. It was comical last year on a lot of those hits. Second, the part that I bolded. If that is the rule, then QB's Kickers and Punters better not be involved in the tackle. Third still about the bolded. Can we now take away kicker and punters pads and helmets. Give them team designed soccer uniforms? In all seriousness I get the rule and I don't want to see any QB hurt on a turnover, but if they are off limits, they should have to run to the opposite sideline from the ball on a turnover. Because I can see it now, a DE ignores the QB to go block someone else and that QB makes a TD saving tackle. Very happy about the helmet hits rule change though.

Meh, if an unblocked QB brings you down you don't deserve to score anyway...

[N51_rob]

Quote: Originally Posted by mestevo

I think the QB/Punter/Kicker stuff is actually just part of the defenseless receiver stuff. You can hit/block them, you just can't try and split them in two by blasting them when they're not looking.

What about defenders who are chasing the ball and not looking?

Hines Ward has made a career of cleaning up defenders. A lot of these rule changes are made for the benefit of the offenses. A defender chasing the ball carrier across the open field is just as "defenseless" as a receiver crossing the middle or a QB/P/K chasing a defender on a turnover.



The hits on Bart Scott, Daven Holly and Keith Rives are the type of hits I'm referring to. Those hits on a QB (or WR now) are penalties and fine-able now. But on defenders they are okay? Doesn't seem right to me.

[mestevo]

I'm almost certain that most of those hits would draw a fine and then some for repeated offenses. I know it's the Steeler way, but they have to learn how to tackle, or in Hines Ward's case, block... rather than hit and hope for the best. There's a reason that video is from 2008 and not 2010-2011.

[N51_rob]

The reason is I'm to lazy to look through all of the videos on youtube.

I'm all for player safety. But I'm sick of the NFL trying to make every game end 28-31 by legistalting defense out of the game. What was the last major rule change that benefited defenses? It's all about points and passing. It frustrates me to no end.