NFL Getting Soft

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Re: NFL Getting Soft

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Why are you specifically calling me out when others have said similar things?

You were first and contained the money line at the end that drew a connection between the No Fun League (a moniker given to the NFL when they ended group endzone TD celebrations and Gastineau's Sack Dance) and seeking to prevent injuries.

[mission]

Who coined that? Glanville? I seem to remember a certain NFL Films with Steve Sabol

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In a very odd way, the amount of money available I think encourages cheap shots. If guys had to work offseason jobs to make ends meet, then there were likely less attempts and ending someones season.

NFL Films probably doesn't help in this regard by focusing on the violence in the past, when equipment was worse and the players were 1/3 of the size they are now.

Reggie White was once asked how he reconciles his Christian principles with seeking to knock a QB out of the game. He replied that that everyone involved was an adult and knew the objective going in. But White somehow was able to live within the rules while seeking to cause maximum disruption. White could abide by the newer rules (even without a head slap or Buddy Ryan's bounties) and still play effectively. Good players will still be effective next year.

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Who coined that? Glanville? I seem to remember a certain NFL Films with Steve Sabol

I think it predates Glanville, as Gastineau was an inured old vet by 1985 and 86. But he may have helped make it more popular.

[Gunakor]

The players didn't vote for this, so Jones Drew railing against people who play that don't want to get hurt is just screaming at the wind.

I have no problem with QBs playing by the same rules as everyone else. I think it would improve the game. But using Favre as your example of the type of player who "used to be drafted" and presumably won't be from now on is laughable. Favre said on numerous occasions that the reason he refused to plant to throw was fear of injury. So your throwback, tough-guy QB made some bad football plays due to fear of injury. This was good football?

And I think its interesting that you (Gunakor) find so much joy in injury to others, like a Roman citizen watching Gladiators. How many years subtracted from the life expectancy of a pro football player is acceptable to you? What is the going rate per year tough guy?

Nono, you get me wrong. I don't wish injury on anyone. But injuries happen. If you play football, you know that going in. My beef is with rule changes that take away from the instinctive play of the defense. If you are a defensive lineman or linebacker on a pass rush, and you are blocked to the ground by an offensive lineman but see the QB just a few feet from you, you lunge at his legs and try to take him to the ground. Or at least you used to, but not anymore because you'll get flagged for it. May as well take the rest of the play off once you've hit the dirt, you can't legally do anything else. It's bullshit.


I like your reference to Roman Gladiators. IMO that's what I would equate football players to - modern day Gladiators. No I wouldn't wish injury on them, but protecting them from injury is NOT my biggest concern. Some rules should be in place, like the rule against hitting a defenseless player such as a holder focused on making sure the laces are out for a FG attempt. Or a horsecollar. Those are legitimate rules that take absolutely nothing away from the appeal of the game or the ability of a defender to do his job.

But the Brady Rule? Come on now. You can't tell a defensive lineman who's been blocked to the ground that he has to stand up first before hitting the quarterback. Not when said defensive player has been taught NOT to ever since pee-wee's. Your job when rushing the QB is to bring him to the ground, and the play isn't over just because you've been blocked to the ground yourself.

"If the QB is there, nail his ass!! Wait, no, on second thought, don't. He might get hurt if you do." Do you see how rediculous this sounds?

[Fritz]

I might have to dust off the leather helmet and go crack block some joker right where the knee hinges to the leg.