The end of the three point stance?

[MTK]

Studies on concussions have shown that it's just not the big hits that cause damage, but all the little ones that add up over time

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Studies on concussions have shown that it's just not the big hits that cause damage, but all the little ones that add up over time

No doubt, but like boxing it's a violent sport. It sucks when someone becomes disabled but it's also the path chosen and nowadays, a very lucrative one. I'm all for reducing injuries, but you've got to let the players play. I think that newer helmets, as mentioned earlier, would be a great step. If you have to replace them more often (like say a motorcycle helmet) then so be it. The designs have to take all of the small abuse and the big hits throughout the season or so. I'd think that there would be a better design by now that's more widely implemented. I know that they have the pilot program with that one helmet but I remember reading a couple of years ago about some newer ones in development. Equipment hasn't changed a whole lot in the past several years. I know that helmets alone can't prevent concussions, but there's gotta be something that will help improve protection at a measurable rate.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

No doubt, but like boxing it's a violent sport. It sucks when someone becomes disabled but it's also the path chosen and nowadays, a very lucrative one. I'm all for reducing injuries, but you've got to let the players play. I think that newer helmets, as mentioned earlier, would be a great step. If you have to replace them more often (like say a motorcycle helmet) then so be it. The designs have to take all of the small abuse and the big hits throughout the season or so. I'd think that there would be a better design by now that's more widely implemented. I know that they have the pilot program with that one helmet but I remember reading a couple of years ago about some newer ones in development. Equipment hasn't changed a whole lot in the past several years. I know that helmets alone can't prevent concussions, but there's gotta be something that will help improve protection at a measurable rate.

Well that's not entirely true. Not every player gets Dockery's Bills contract. Contracts aren't guaranteed and the benefits for retired players are a constant source of debate.

[freddyg12]

Playing football can't be good for your brain long-term. I think in the next 10 years or so more conclusive evidence about concussions will emerge, which of course won't be good for the game's image. I see a few things on the horizon - 18 games, lockout, economics - that could really mark the beginning of the end for the nfl as the country's most popular sport.

[mlmpetert]

I truly do not like Goodell. I don’t recall any player getting knocked out or getting a concussion in the “trenches”. How about you talk about trying to make changes in the helmets before making these crazy suggestions.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by mlmpetert

I truly do not like Goodell. I don’t recall any player getting knocked out or getting a concussion in the “trenches”. How about you talk about trying to make changes in the helmets before making these crazy suggestions.

You may not get knocked out but the cumulative effect of all the little impacts over time may be more damaging than the big hits.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by mlmpetert

I truly do not like Goodell. I don’t recall any player getting knocked out or getting a concussion in the “trenches”. How about you talk about trying to make changes in the helmets before making these crazy suggestions.

He did also talk about improved helmets (sometime over the weekend, maybe not in that specific interview)

[WaldSkins]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

He did also talk about improved helmets (sometime over the weekend, maybe not in that specific interview)

Maybe they can get all these new ideas ironed out during the work stoppage.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

He did also talk about improved helmets (sometime over the weekend, maybe not in that specific interview)

That would mean the lightweight helmets are probably gone. You've all probably seen them before they have a ridge, sort of like a mohawk, over the middle of the helmet and the holes are a little longer. Not the worst idea in the world, especially if you're trying to prevent concussions.



However if you get rid of the 3 point stance you fundamentally change the game. It's honestly a horrible idea. At that point you might as well make running the ball illegal. Hopefully the fans will speak up and make sure that this does not get past. I'm pretty sure though that the D-Lineman, O-Lineman, and Running Backs will have something to say since this rule could seriously affect their value.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

Playing football can't be good for your brain long-term. I think in the next 10 years or so more conclusive evidence about concussions will emerge, which of course won't be good for the game's image. I see a few things on the horizon - 18 games, lockout, economics - that could really mark the beginning of the end for the nfl as the country's most popular sport.

I really think it would take A LOT for that to happen. The league's popularity continues to grow each year. Besides, what else is going to step up to take it's place?

[mlmdub130]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

I really think it would take A LOT for that to happen. The league's popularity continues to grow each year. Besides, what else is going to step up to take it's place?

the caps, here in dc it's hockey mania right now, no one is talking about the skins at all the caps are taking over 14 straight wins right now

[irish]

Originally Posted by mlmdub130

the caps, here in dc it's hockey mania right now, no one is talking about the skins at all the caps are taking over 14 straight wins right now

The caps are definitely #1 in the city now.

Maybe the NFL could just ban blocking all together and go to flag football like I played in college intramurals where there was no blocking, team speed was what it was all about. That would remove the risk of concussions. I appreciate trying to make things safer but the game carries inheriant risks and anyone that doesnt want to accept those risks shouldnt play.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by irish

The caps are definitely #1 in the city now.

Maybe the NFL could just ban blocking all together and go to flag football like I played in college intramurals where there was no blocking, team speed was what it was all about. That would remove the risk of concussions. I appreciate trying to make things safer but the game carries inheriant risks and anyone that doesnt want to accept those risks shouldnt play.

I agree. High risk, high reward. The equipment should be improved but not the way the game is played. Some players don't take full advantage of what is available now, which is their right, because they feel it inhibits their performance. Thigh pads are a case in point.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by mlmdub130

the caps, here in dc it's hockey mania right now, no one is talking about the skins at all the caps are taking over 14 straight wins right now

Well let's be honest it's the dead part of the offseason for the Skins.

Besides I'm talking nationally. The NHL is a distant 4th amongst the big 4 sports, it's in no danger of threatening the NFL.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by mlmdub130

the caps, here in dc it's hockey mania right now, no one is talking about the skins at all the caps are taking over 14 straight wins right now

Yeah but hockey isn't huge everywhere in the U.S.