Forte: Proposed rule is 'absurd'

Matt Forte tweets proposed rule change is 'absurd' - NFL.com

Quote:

---

Matt Forte tweets proposed rule change is 'absurd'

The NFL competition committee has proposed a rule to make it illegal for a runner to lead with the crown of his helmet when outside of the tackle box. The rule comes under the safety umbrella of trying to keep all players from initiating contact with the helmet -- a practice already outlawed for defenders.

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte took to Twitter to contest the proposal.
"The proposed rule change for running backs might be the most absurd suggestion of a rule change I've ever heard of," Forte wrote.
"In order to lower ur shoulder u obviously have to lower ur head. It's a way of protecting ur self from a tackler and a way to break tackles," Forte said in a second post.
"U can't change the instinctive nature of running the football," Forte ended.
The "Tuck Rule" has been the most talked about, but that voting should be fairly simple. The same goes for the "Jim Schwartz Rule." But this one could fundamentally change how players run with the ball. Former Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith warned of the dangers that come from running with your head up and chin exposed.
We know what happens when the league introduces legislation in the name of safety -- rules are often changed. I just can't see how a player can keep from dipping his head with a defender coming in full speed. That seems to present a different danger in itself. That's what Forte, Smith and others are concerned about.

---

So agree with Forte on this one. Just another step towards the National Flag Football League. :rock:

they will mess it up, its football goddamit!

Nah I disagree LB its becomming more like sarcastaball.

It is dumb. Problem with these proposed rule changes is, they can't tell the difference between the "rules" of the game and the "nature" of the game.

Forte seems to follow Emmit Smith in completely misunderstanding what the CROWN of the helmet is. Im not saying this rule is necessary but at least know what in the hell you are talking about first before dismissing it.

For example:
http://i46.tinypic.com/2eogpj5.jpg
You can see in this pic that the RB has his head completely down, but even then, the crown does not come in contact with the defender at all. Im not quite sure why this rule came about, but it shouldnt be too difficult to run the ball without leading with your helmet. If defenders can not do this, then why should RBs?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmors

Forte seems to follow Emmit Smith in completely misunderstanding what the CROWN of the helmet is. Im not saying this rule is necessary but at least know what in the hell you are talking about first before dismissing it.

For example:
http://i46.tinypic.com/2eogpj5.jpg
You can see in this pic that the RB has his head completely down, but even then, the crown does not come in contact with the defender at all. Im not quite sure why this rule came about, but it shouldnt be too difficult to run the ball without leading with your helmet. If defenders can not do this, then why should RBs?

---

That point of contact can change in an instant, though, and the fact remains that lowering you head is a way to gain leverage against defenders who are at a positional advantage on the field. I have no problem with a runner lower his helmet on defenders whose sole job is to punish the ball carrier. As far as that pic, I'd bet the actual initial point of contact was a lot closer to the crown than the after-the-fact picture makes it look.

I think it is time to play without helmets. lol

I'm growing really weary of all this. I understand the risks of playing football are very real, and the long term effects can be devastating, but the players know it too. I think we all know that the league is doing all this to try to survive with the potential for law suits that could literally bankrupt the league and stop the game.

I know that legal waivers can be overcome by a good lawyer, but the time has come to develop a rock solid waiver that every player coming into the league must sign in order to be drafted. Hell, give the guys a mandatory week long seminar on the risks of physical and mental health and sign a waiver before they can be drafted. Make them sign the waiver again before every contract they sign through their career. These are grown men and they know the risks, but they do it anyway. I have never understood law suits where people voluntarily participate in risky behavior and only later, when the effects occur, do they file suit. They are grown ups and they have the ability to make grown up decisions.

I'll switch to rugby if this shit keeps up.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Jimmors

Forte seems to follow Emmit Smith in completely misunderstanding what the CROWN of the helmet is. Im not saying this rule is necessary but at least know what in the hell you are talking about first before dismissing it.

For example:
http://i46.tinypic.com/2eogpj5.jpg
You can see in this pic that the RB has his head completely down, but even then, the crown does not come in contact with the defender at all. Im not quite sure why this rule came about, but it shouldnt be too difficult to run the ball without leading with your helmet. If defenders can not do this, then why should RBs?

---

But........in this case had the defender been approaching head on rather than laterally it may have been with the crown. This pic doesn't really do justice to it at all IMHO. This is only one instance where it's happening. We'd need to look at dozens more both where it is happening and not happening to get a real valid understanding of it.

I can't blame Forte or Smith for their initial reaction to it. As Baschnagelnator said there's a difference between trying to make a rule change and affecting the very nature of the game. Especially one that may be just as important to a runner protecting himself from an injury as trying to prevent one.

Defensive players often have the intent of inflicting punishment when they lead with the crown of their helmet and with a few inflicting injury isn't beyond question either. It's not the intent of a RB to do either IMHO. It's a by product of their running style and part of their defense. Something go too far and this is probably one of them.