The NFL competition committee passed four new rules and one major clarification.
Basically they are ways to eliminate the danger in the game. I am not the snappy, witty guy my fellows are; so I’ll just shoot it straight.
Lets start with…..
Special Teams:
Rule #1: Wedges are now illegal:
Any forming of a wedge that is more than two players will result in a 15 yard penalty.
How this affects us:
It doesn’t; it will actually help us in coverage because most teams used the wedge whereas we use a man to man scheme.
My Take:
Are you serious? This is a pointless rule; it will completely change kickoffs. Expect return TD's to significantly drop this year as teams have to change their scheme.
Rule #2: Can’t have more than 5 players on onside kicks
That will result in a 5yd penalty and a rekick.
How this affects us:
We will have to change our onside kick coverage. But then again so will everyone else. Check.
My Take:
Another pointless rule change, this is ridiculous. Can we get some real rules, please?
Defensive Rules:
Rule #3: No contact to defenseless receiver's head.
Anquan Boldin. That explains this rule well enough; it will be a 15 yard penalty.
How this affects us:
Do I really need to explain this?
"Yeah I do."
Well this means that a defensive player cannot lead with their head when the receiver is in the air.
My Take:
Totally agree with this one. Great jorb guys.
Brady Rule Adjustment: Not a new rule but an adjustment to an old rule.
The old rule said that you can’t hit a quarterback below the knees; new rules say you can’t do that while on the ground.
How this affects us:
Well this is pretty obvious, I mean really…. Don’t be Bernard Pollard.
My Take:
B.C. I thought that this was a terrible change but now…. All for it!
Offensive Rules
Rule #4: Illegal blindside blocks are illegal?
Ear hole to….. Now illegal. 15 yards for that as well.
How this affects us:
Wait….. Receivers are supposed to block? Seriously?
My Take:
Not a bad idea but it really sucks for Hines Ward. That will take a little something from his game.