Understanding Hard-Hitting Rules

[MTK]

Originally Posted by mlmpetert

I agree this particular rule is ruining the integrity of the game and not because i like big hits but because it’s a completely impractical and unavoidable rule. I think FPRLG said it best:



Under the definition of the rule (at least the part we have been able to see) Robinson should have waited for Maclin to establish himself as a runner AND be in a position to defend himself. So basically Robinson would have to had stoped and waited until Maclin was running away from him before he could make the tackle. Robinson cant do that because he would lose his job.

I think the only way to fix it would be to make zone illegal – so Robinson is never in that position to begin with. Or make it a penalty on the QB to lead the WR into a defenseless position - so Robinson would know to let up because Philly just got flagged.

If you make it a penalty for a QB to put a receiver in a defenseless position Matty said the QB may take additional hits or sacks. I don’t really buy that. QBs make a ton of reads and are paid more than other players to do so. Also many WR routes change based off a read on the defense (especially in a west coast offense), so if a receiver and QB detect zone they just change a route to avoid the penalty. This would eliminate the vast majority of defenseless receiver hits and serve to eliminate the cause not the symptom.

Something needs to be done so the offensive player has responsibility to avoid these situations.

You would basically be taking away any passes over the middle. I just don't see that as a practical solution. The NFL isn't going to put in a rule like that as the end result would hamper offenses.