First off the NFL is going to get more players injured on the football field.
As being a former football player, I have learned and experienced that if you do not give 100 percent to a play on the football field, you are going to get your butt put on the ground. I know there have been an increase of injuries this year, i think its about 35 head injuries this year compared to 20 something last year. But since football has began, there has not been as much of a fluctuation in the number of injuries as there are this year.
So why this year?
No one knows. Players are getting injured, but its a part of this hard hitting and fast paced game. Now I am not condoning the fact that some players are leading with their head with intent to injury are perfectly fine. That is a different story all together.
Headhunting
This is something ridiculous, yes the goal is to make sure you can stop the other guy from making a play or having some amazing catch. But to intent to injury should lead in fines, penalties, and some suspension.
The NFL is definitely on the right track with the suspensions and fines, but should only do so to the players who are acting ruthless and immature. Your probably going, "Wow this guy seems like the players should wear bubble wrap, play flag football, make the QB wear a skirt or something, they shouldn't be pansies." NO, the statement I am making is that the players who TAKE ADVANTAGE of the situation they are in, cough Woodson of the Steelers, and try to ruin the reputation of the game and lay a couple head-shots on an innocent receiver should be the ONLY ones penalized.
No matter what there will be injuries but to headhunt, not saying you can not be aggressive, is ludicrous.
My message: take the plays that are controversial, look at them closely, and penalize accordingly. The NFL shouldn't just guess and fine randomly. Marryweather of the Patriots should be suspended a couple games, sit on the bench fool. Give every play a chance and not assume that every head to head is on purpose
Lastly, about the Steelers Woodson, if you want to retire just do it and shut up. Your "worried" about your playing ability decreasing, but if you tackle properly and not throw your head into another receiver, you'll be fine. Seriously you kind of sound like a Chick.
This was my first post. More to come.
Players today are not tackling the correct way. Instead of wrapping up the ball carrier, they are launching themselves like a projectile, using their helmet as a weapon.
ReplyDeleteNow, I agree with you when you say look at plays closely and penalize them accordingly. This past weekend, the Merriweather play was dirty. Even the Steelers James Harrison plays were dirty. He seemed to be headhunting on the two he caused injury. The hit that knocked Desean Jackson out looked pretty clean to me. Robinson lead with his shoulder, not his head, and separated the receiver from the ball. If anyone should be fined, it should be Kevin Kolb for leading his 160 lb receiver over the middle like that.