Postby Kyle » Fri Sep 13, 2013 6:09 pm
The NFL has been trying hard to avoid lawsuits, and has spent a lot of time denying a problem really exists. I think the rules changes have come about partly because there's no longer any way it can be denied there are problems, and partly because the NFL is hoping to still stave off anyone else (i.e. the courts) getting involved.
I think the new rules are a good idea in theory, but I have to see enforcement be consistent, and I also think it's unrealistic to a point. It's kind of hard to keep your head out of it completely. If you hit a guy with your shoulder, your head is going to be lowered. That's simple human anatomy. If it doesn't happen that way, you have more problems than a concussion to worry about.
The new rules are likely going to lead to more knee injuries as players go low to avoid getting penalized. I've already heard more than one player say they'd rather be hit high than hit low. That will be an interesting dilemma to watch play out. Risk concussions or risk blowing out your knee?
But honestly, short of removing tackling from the game completely, I don't know how much else the NFL or NCAA can do. It doesn't help a lot of players today don't seem to know good tackling or ball carrying fundamentals.