NFL to consider mandating playground football?

[SuperHornet]

Yahoo is reporting that the NFL may consider banning the 3-point stance as they think it contributes to concussion-causing collisions.

This is absolutely HORRIBLE. The 3-point stance is basic to position play on the line and in the backfield. Heck, some coaches even use it for WRs and on KO coverage to keep guys from jumping offside. If this happens, the game will degenerate into disorganized nonsense really fast. Well, that's already started with the advent of the now-banned A-11 offense and the mirror defense, but those are rarely-used gimmicks. This rule would force the issue, however. Ugh!

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=a ... &type=lgns

[BlueHen86]

You do realize that concussions are a big problem in the NFL don't you. Player safety should take precident over all else.

[JayJ79]

what's next, the "5 mississippi rush rule"?

[green&gold75]

what's next, the "5 mississippi rush rule"?

That's absolute nonsense---"3 Mississippi" more like it! While it may seem outrageous at first blush, everyone would adjust, and the next generation wouldn't know any other way. In any case, I wouldn't argue against anything reasonable to protect the players. If things came to pass as SH's article suggests, though, I don't think I could see it as quite the same game, though.

[BlueHen86]

what's next, the "5 mississippi rush rule"?

That's absolute nonsense---"3 Mississippi" more like it! While it may seem outrageous at first blush, everyone would adjust, and the next generation wouldn't know any other way. In any case, I wouldn't argue against anything reasonable to protect the players. If things came to pass as SH's article suggests, though, I don't think I could see it as quite the same game, though.

I agree, it wouldn't be the same game. I'm sure the NFL won't do this unless they are sure it will work and there is no other way.

Also, it's not as if the NFL game today is the same as it was 50 years ago. If this change is made we fans will adjust just as you said.

[BlueHen86]

what's next, the "5 mississippi rush rule"?

It's 5 missippi, you'd never reach the QB your way.

[youngterrier]

not gonna happen

[JayJ79]

How does the three-point stance contribute to concussions?
Do linemen get concussed often? Seems like it is usually QBs, receivers, and the like that you always hear about getting concussions (but then, that's all you ever hear about anyway, as linemen never get media coverage)

[ALPHAGRIZ1]

Nobody is making the players play the game.

So the concussion argument is BS and its just a bunch of safety nazis that want to protect everyone and butt into everyone elses business instead of taking care of themselves.

[clenz]

Nobody is making the players play the game.

So the concussion argument is BS and its just a bunch of safety nazis that want to protect everyone and butt into everyone elses business instead of taking care of themselves.

It becomes the NFL's problem when NFL players start with their lawsuits over lack of provided insurance, care, etc... which has already started.

[BlueHen86]

Nobody is making the players play the game.
So the concussion argument is BS and its just a bunch of safety nazis that want to protect everyone and butt into everyone elses business instead of taking care of themselves.

That could be said about any job. Nobody is forced to be a miner, or policeman, or fireman. But job safety is an issue in those jobs.

I also don't think that the NFL looking its players falls into the safety nazi category. It's not like some third party is getting involved.

[BDKJMU]

You do realize that concussions are a big problem in the NFL don't you. Player safety should take precident over all else.

I agree. Probably more concussions happen when tackling than anything else. Tackling should be outlawed. Make it 2 hand touch.

[BlueHen86]

You do realize that concussions are a big problem in the NFL don't you. Player safety should take precident over all else.

I agree. Probably more concussions happen when tackling than anything else. Tackling should be outlawed. Make it 2 hand touch.

That's a great idea, you are a genius, I hope the NFL reaches out to you. But I think flag football would be even better, sometimes you can touch too hard.

[JMU DJ]

I agree. Probably more concussions happen when tackling than anything else. Tackling should be outlawed. Make it 2 hand touch.

That's a great idea, you are a genius, I hope the NFL reaches out to you. But I think flag football would be even better, sometimes you can touch too hard.

Bingo, was just going to go there. Can you imagine the mid week injury report with a touch football league?

WR Player X - Probable, bruised shoulder.
QB Player Y - Questionable, breathed on to hard.
CB Player Z - Doubtful, sprained pinky.

[BlueHen86]

That's a great idea, you are a genius, I hope the NFL reaches out to you. But I think flag football would be even better, sometimes you can touch too hard.

Bingo, was just going to go there. Can you imagine the mid week injury report with a touch football league?

WR Player X - Probable, bruised shoulder.
QB Player Y - Questionable, breathed on to hard.
CB Player Z - Doubtful, sprained pinky.

With Flag Football the biggest concern will be carpal tunnel due to reaching for the flag on every play.

[BlueHen86]

Over the weekend I watched HBO Inside Sports and caught a portion of the segment on concussions in the NFL. The NFL recognizes concussions as a big problem and is seriously considering changes to make the game safer. Keep in mind, owners don't want to pay their superstars to sit on the sidelines with concussions, so I think that there are going to be changes to the game like it or not.

Not only are bone jarring hits being looked at, but also lesser but more repetetive collisions (i.e. two lineman colliding on every snap). These little collisions may also damage the brain and the damage adds up over time. Some schools (I think North Carolina is one) are doing less hitting in practice for this reason. I think there is why there is talk of doing away with the three point stance.

I'd be interested in seeing a preseason game played this way, just to get an idea of what the game would really look like.