Here are some of the specifics for the new emphasis defining a defenseless player:
- A receiver attempting to catch a pass
- A QB in the act of throwing
- A punter or kicker during a kick
- A player fielding a punt or kick
- A runner "in the grasp" in which forward momentum has been stopped
For the layman, after he throws an interception or his team fumbles, he can run after the defender who has the ball, but if he gets blocked in a way that sends him flailing through the air, this is wrong. Uh, WHAT?! He is part of the defense when the other team has possession and he is on the field. Any hit he receives is just another part of football. Don't give me this garbage about "he's defenseless". If that's the case, then he should either retire because he is a baby, or don't throw a pick. To suggest that the quarterback can't be hit while attempting a touchdown-saving tackle is to suggest that they are less than men, that they are special. Why not just strip quarterbacks of all pads and helmets and give them flags to wear around their waists?
The other major change being advocated is to move the spot of a kickoff from the 30 yard line up to the 35. Now every kickoff will be a touchback, and they wish to move the start of possession after said touchback from the 20 to the 25. However, all other touchbacks will still be placed at the 20. Again, this is ludicrous. Differing rules just makes things complicated for everyone. However, the fans would be most affected by such changes. The reason I believe football is so popular is the simplicity of its rules. If you start changing your product too much, the consumer (fans) will get confused and lose interest. Bad idea for all parties. I will agree that some things need to change. But too much change would be a shock to the system of the collective fan base, and ultimately damming to the league.
One change being solicited that I back fully is that now all scoring plays -touchdowns, field goals, safeties, and extra points- will be subject to review by an official sitting in front of a TV watching the game from somewhere in the stadium. This is an extension of the "2 minute" rule now in place, extending throughout the entire contest. This eliminates the need for a coach's 3rd challenge in the event that he is successful on his first two challenges, which they are also looking in to. The 3rd challenge was rarely used, and is a joke. Great job to whomever came up with that.
Oh, and how can I apply for the booth review position? You wanna talk about an awesome job? This guy gets to sit in a room and watch football, and when he sees a scoring play that is questionable, he tells the ref on the field, who stops play so the "review expert" can get a better look at the play. That is awesome! And, he will be employed by the NFL, so you know his bank account balance has at least six digits in it.
It seems as though the NFL is putting too much into making the game of football safe. Normally, that would be good for a sport. But when it comes to football, there will always be injuries, and there will always be big hits. Trying to take away part of the game that cannot be taken away will hurt the game deeper than the labor discussions and the lockout ever will. Eventually, players will just stop trying to make tackles, because there will be so many rules on where and how you are supposed to hit another player. Football is brutal. We as fans know that, and you know the players are aware of that. They take a risk every time they step onto the field, and they do this willingly. So it isn't right to change the game in the manner in which the NFL is attempting.
