LLT
08-06-2011, 06:08 AM
Next task: Adapting to new rules on field
Saturday, August 06, 2011
By Craig Meyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
With the end of the lockout and with a new collective bargaining agreement in place, wholesale change has been implemented in the NFL. But aside from the contentious issues that were at the center of the lockout for several months, changes have been made to the NFL rulebook that will alter the way the game is played in an effort to, in the eyes of league officials, help protect the players.
The NFL has expanded its rules to prevent hits above the shoulders of "defenseless players" from defenders using the crown of their helmet, forearm, shoulder, or facemask. The league and its officials have changed what constitutes a defenseless player, extending the scope from just wide receivers to all players.
"Basically, what they're trying to do is take the helmet out of all hits, especially if you launch," NFL side judge Rick Patterson said. "They do not want any contact with a defenseless player anywhere, especially with a kicker, quarterback and the punter. They do not want the defender using a helmet as a weapon on a block."
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11218/1165666-66.stm#ixzz1UFJ8WiYa
Saturday, August 06, 2011
By Craig Meyer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
With the end of the lockout and with a new collective bargaining agreement in place, wholesale change has been implemented in the NFL. But aside from the contentious issues that were at the center of the lockout for several months, changes have been made to the NFL rulebook that will alter the way the game is played in an effort to, in the eyes of league officials, help protect the players.
The NFL has expanded its rules to prevent hits above the shoulders of "defenseless players" from defenders using the crown of their helmet, forearm, shoulder, or facemask. The league and its officials have changed what constitutes a defenseless player, extending the scope from just wide receivers to all players.
"Basically, what they're trying to do is take the helmet out of all hits, especially if you launch," NFL side judge Rick Patterson said. "They do not want any contact with a defenseless player anywhere, especially with a kicker, quarterback and the punter. They do not want the defender using a helmet as a weapon on a block."
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11218/1165666-66.stm#ixzz1UFJ8WiYa