NFL Crackdown: Leading with the Helmet

There were some devastating hits Sunday that will lead to the NFL  taking firmer action on defensive players that lead with their helmets while making a tackle.  The Eagles, Browns,  and Ravens all had players that were at risk of serious injury being hit while in a defenseless position on offense.  The Dunta Robinson and DeSean Jackson hit from the Falcons versus Eagles game typifies the type of play that is being refered to.

James Harrison was also involved in two his that should have been penalties during the game when he led with the helmet, hurting or injuring Cleveland Brown receivers Josh Cribbs and Mohammed Massaquoi.  Neither were called for 15 yard penalties during then game, but Harrison (ex-teammate of Josh Cribbs at Kent State) was fined $75,000.  The Brandon (not Floyd) Meriweather hit from the Ravens versus Eagles game delivered to tight end Todd Heap drew a $50,000 fine from the league office.  The aforementioned Robinson hit also drew a $50,000 fine.  But, none of the hits resulted in suspension and the only one that was called a penalty during the game was the Meriweather hit from the Ravens game.

In my opinion,  football and especially the NFL will have violent collisions.  ”You play to win the game ” in the immortal words of Dennis Green.  On defense, you help your team by trying to take out the best players of the other team in an attempt to limit the offensive potency of the other team.  While you always try to abide by the rules (one of which is now that you do not lead with the crown of the helmet in an attempt to make a tackle) when making a hit a defensive player must realize that the league will now be cracking down now more than ever to make sure that players aren’t being put in harms way to make a reception or gain an extra yard.

An NFL’s spokesman Greg Aiello was quoted as saying “Increased discipline for violating player safety rules will include suspensions.”  But, after a hard hitting weekend one has to wonder what exactly will warrant penalty and/or suspension.  Hopefully the result won’t have to include paralysis and/or death for harsher measures to be taken.