Is the NFL softening up?

Fellas. I read an article over at ESPN on how the league has changed (better or worse is debatable).

NFL: Are the rule-makers making the game "soft"? - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=4311984)

Now, I haven't played grid iron competitively (rugby league is my cup a tea) so take my opinion with a grain of salt since my opinions are not of a player but more of an outsider looking in. And I hope alot of you who have played would share your views on whether the new rules are appropriate or is it making the league a game for sissies.

There are certain plays like helmet to helmet tackling, horse collar tackles and hair pulling (Larry Johnson style) which are cheap shots IMO. Especially hair pulling, it may not be illegal but only girls do that sort of thing. Its embarrassing really, a full grown man resorting to that sort of thing.

Tackling someone by diving at their knees and blind-side blocking (like what Hines Ward did) are also cheap shots that could seriously injure someone. I do not know if tackling a player in the air is legal, especially taking out the legs while in air which is quite dangerous if the player falls head first.

But some rules like the roughing the passer is quite ridiculous since the aim is to pressure the QB and you can't expect a 230 lbs person rushing at top speed to halt their momentum once the ball is out of the QBs hands.

Anyway, my views may be way off because of my rugby background, which alot of the plays above are illegal and it is also becoming a pansy game due to alot of new rules prohibiting the 'bif'.

Cheers

Roughing the passer is BS. The way their going eventually they will be playing flag football.

Roughing the passer is BS. The way their going eventually they will be playing flag football.

That seems to be the way it's going. I can certainly understand wanting to prevent severe injury but it's getting ridiculous. I know why they want to protect the QB but that's what the o-line is for isn't it? I personally like defense and love the contact. In fact, I like nothing better than seeing the opposing QB get his bell rung. A cheap shot? Then throw them out of the game and suspend them if need be, but if you can't take a hit, play golf.

Fellas. I read an article over at ESPN on how the league has changed (better or worse is debatable).

NFL: Are the rule-makers making the game "soft"? - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=4311984)

Now, I haven't played grid iron competitively (rugby league is my cup a tea) so take my opinion with a grain of salt since my opinions are not of a player but more of an outsider looking in. And I hope alot of you who have played would share your views on whether the new rules are appropriate or is it making the league a game for sissies.

There are certain plays like helmet to helmet tackling, horse collar tackles and hair pulling (Larry Johnson style) which are cheap shots IMO. Especially hair pulling, it may not be illegal but only girls do that sort of thing. Its embarrassing really, a full grown man resorting to that sort of thing.

Tackling someone by diving at their knees and blind-side blocking (like what Hines Ward did) are also cheap shots that could seriously injure someone. I do not know if tackling a player in the air is legal, especially taking out the legs while in air which is quite dangerous if the player falls head first.

But some rules like the roughing the passer is quite ridiculous since the aim is to pressure the QB and you can't expect a 230 lbs person rushing at top speed to halt their momentum once the ball is out of the QBs hands.

Anyway, my views may be way off because of my rugby background, which alot of the plays above are illegal and it is also becoming a pansy game due to alot of new rules prohibiting the 'bif'.

Cheers

You can pull a guys hair to tackle them its not against the rules. I don't have a problem with them trying to protect QB's but it has gone way too far. Like when a D man goes to block a pass and he misses the ball and lightly hits the QB on the head and the flags come out. What a stupid rule.

i really don't like all the "safety" rules. but i do realize that the players are the product. just look at what the bengals turned into without Palmer

The one thing that I definitely agree with is they need to find a way to make the game safer. The long-term health of the players should be top priority always. Plus with all the horror stories you hear about veterans it's probably for the best. I've mentioned this a couple of times before but I had two coaches in high school that were NFL veterans. One played for the Packers in the 70's and has a bad back which as a result won't let him walk straight. Another played for the Broncos in the 80's (including the Super Bowl against the Skins) as a backup and walks with a limp.

Maybe some of the changes they've made are a bit overboard but I definitely support the league in their attempts to make the game safer.

Thats whyi have more respect for the offenses in the previous decades. WR's were decapitated if they went over the middle and QB's had to make better throws IMO with the defender right in the wr's hip pocket as they both jocked for position down the field.

The main thing that sticks out to me is the new emphasis on the 5 yd rule. half the time the wr that drew the flag wasnt even being looked at by the QB. instant 1st down. to me that is BS. just my 2 on that.

hair pulling is needed sumtimes .... if polamolu picked off campbell and portis drug him to the ground to save a win would u cry about it then? dont think so.

other than that roughing the passer half the time is bs .... and F illegal contact, if u can get seperation thats ur fault.

I understand the safety factor but they do seem to but going over board with some of these rules.

i really don't like all the "safety" rules. but i do realize that the players are the product. just look at what the bengals turned into without Palmer

Actually, if this had happened just to Palmer, none of these QB rules would have been brought up. But since it happened to Tom Brady in the land of whining fans/media, then it became a big deal.