At the Annual League Meetings in Orlando, the NFL introduced several new rules, including the elimination of hip-drop tackles, a decision that has sparked criticism from players like Cam Jordan of the New Orleans Saints. Jordan took to social media to express his discontent, labeling the rule change as “D-U-M-B 😂,” and highlighting concerns about the increasing limitations on defensive play, particularly in tackling techniques.
In his remarks prior to the rule’s passing, Jordan questioned the frequency of the targeted tackles and pondered whether penalizing them was justified given their relatively infrequent occurrence during games. He also raised the issue of injuries, drawing attention to non-contact injuries compared to those resulting from the playing surface.
The Competition Committee amended Rule 12, Section 2 to address the hip-drop tackle, citing safety concerns and potential injury risks associated with the technique. Chairman Rich McKay emphasized that officials will need to observe specific elements of the tackle before penalizing it, including unweighting into legs. NFL Senior Vice President of Health and Safety Policy Jeff Miller provided data indicating that there were 230 instances of this tackle during the previous season, resulting in 15 players missing game time due to related injuries.
However, concerns linger about the consistency and subjectivity of officiating, especially in the immediate aftermath of this rule change. It’s expected that referees may be more inclined to penalize such tackles early on, potentially influencing game outcomes with penalty calls granting teams advantageous field positions.
The decision to outlaw hip-drop tackles reflects the NFL’s ongoing commitment to player safety, yet it also underscores the ongoing tension between protecting players and maintaining the integrity and physicality of the sport. As the league moves forward with these changes, players and fans alike will be watching closely to see how they impact the game.
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