Is the NFL softening up?

[Hamoskinz]

Fellas. I read an article over at ESPN on how the league has changed (better or worse is debatable).

NFL: Are the rule-makers making the game "soft"? - ESPN

Now, I haven't played grid iron competitively (rugby league is my cup a tea) so take my opinion with a grain of salt since my opinions are not of a player but more of an outsider looking in. And I hope alot of you who have played would share your views on whether the new rules are appropriate or is it making the league a game for sissies.

There are certain plays like helmet to helmet tackling, horse collar tackles and hair pulling (Larry Johnson style) which are cheap shots IMO. Especially hair pulling, it may not be illegal but only girls do that sort of thing. Its embarrassing really, a full grown man resorting to that sort of thing.

Tackling someone by diving at their knees and blind-side blocking (like what Hines Ward did) are also cheap shots that could seriously injure someone. I do not know if tackling a player in the air is legal, especially taking out the legs while in air which is quite dangerous if the player falls head first.

But some rules like the roughing the passer is quite ridiculous since the aim is to pressure the QB and you can't expect a 230 lbs person rushing at top speed to halt their momentum once the ball is out of the QBs hands.

Anyway, my views may be way off because of my rugby background, which alot of the plays above are illegal and it is also becoming a pansy game due to alot of new rules prohibiting the 'bif'.

Cheers