One small way to cut down on injuries in the NFL (1 Viewer)

[shader]

As the NFL is headed for an 18 game season, I think they should consider new ways to help cut down on injuries.

One I was thinking about was holding penalties. When a referee sees holding, he should immediately blow the whistle and end the play, much like false starts or illegal procedure penalties.

I mean when do you ever see a holding penalty called back? You don't. So if holding, clipping, tripping, etc, is seen, blow the play dead.

I know Vick was injured on a play that basically didn't count anyway, due to the hold. If the whistle had blown, he never would have injured himself, and I'm sure injuries happen in these scenarios frequently.

I'm not sure that this will help alot, but I think a bunch of little things like this could add up.

Any other ideas?

 

[TheChairman]

Sumo suits

 

[emge]

One way would be to NOT GO TO 18 games

 

[Doug B]

Is there something to those extra-thick helmets that one of the 49er linemen used to wear (in the 1990s)? I thought at the time I'd be seeing lots of those in future years ... but they never caught on.

This would be somewhat extreme, but they could adopt some of the National Federation of State High Schools (NHFS) football rules regarding blocking below the waist (only legal right after the snap along the line of scrimmage and three yards back).

 

[bigmiiiiike]

I'm not sold that the 18 game schedule is a lock for THAT many more injuries. I mean, so many guys are injured right now with a 16 game schedule. All the NFL wants to do is add two games. I'd buy the concern if you could prove that the per game injury rate was astronomical, or that the per game rate at the end of the season is significantly higher, etc etc, but I just don't see two weeks having THAT great an effect on the overall season's injury list.

 

[John 14:6]

Is there something to those extra-thick helmets that one of the 49er linemen used to wear (in the 1990s)? I thought at the time I'd be seeing lots of those in future years ... but they never caught on.

I wonder if football helmet padding is the same as it was when I played. There were very hard pads in them, so when you get hit in the head the impact goes right to your skull. It seems like there should be more air or some kind of material that would allow the vibration to dissipate some between the outside of the helmet and the head. I think of Troy Polamalu getting concussions a lot until he stopped cutting his hair and hasn't gotten one since...

 

[scratcher]

The only problem with that is that since its not a penalty that stops play, a penalty by the defense can negate the holding penalty. e.g. defensive holding can negate offensive holding leading to replaying the down.

 

[butcher boy]

Then you'll see people holding on purpose everytime the other team makes a big play so that it will just be whistled dead.

 

[TheAristocrat]

No running. Everyone walks or does that silly race walking thing.

 

[VaCatFan]

As the NFL is headed for an 18 game season, I think they should consider new ways to help cut down on injuries.One I was thinking about was holding penalties. When a referee sees holding, he should immediately blow the whistle and end the play, much like false starts or illegal procedure penalties.I mean when do you ever see a holding penalty called back? You don't. So if holding, clipping, tripping, etc, is seen, blow the play dead.I know Vick was injured on a play that basically didn't count anyway, due to the hold. If the whistle had blown, he never would have injured himself, and I'm sure injuries happen in these scenarios frequently.I'm not sure that this will help alot, but I think a bunch of little things like this could add up.Any other ideas?

You could mandate that they actually wear all the protective gear that they're supposed to. You know, knee, thigh, and hip pads?

 

[omahabrad]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

 

[warpedone]

I say that if you're a coach, you get one of these for every skill position player you have and make them use them when they're not on the field. Never be another hammy or groin pulled again.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I mean when do you ever see a holding penalty called back? You don't.

If by "called back" you mean "declined," it happens whenever the play results in a turnover.

 

[comfortably numb]

I would like to see a penalty for jumping onto a pile.

I will see a fumble, then 2-3 guys land on the ball, before you know it, they have 7 people on a pile.

No reason.

Once whistle blows, anyone who gets onto a pile, gets flagged.

 

[egoo]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

 

[buck naked]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

I was just coming to say something similar - take off the face mask. NOBODY likes getting jacked in the nose.Just think about that. How fast would you run into someone or hit somebody with no face mask?

 

[comfortably numb]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

I was just coming to say something similar - take off the face mask. NOBODY likes getting jacked in the nose.Just think about that. How fast would you run into someone or hit somebody with no face mask?

Sorry, I don't want to see someone's eye ball hanging out the socket, when an accidental face mask turns bad

 

[Mister CIA]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

I was just coming to say something similar - take off the face mask. NOBODY likes getting jacked in the nose.Just think about that. How fast would you run into someone or hit somebody with no face mask?

Sorry, I don't want to see someone's eye ball hanging out the socket, when an accidental face mask turns bad

Just issue everyone a pair of Chuck Muncies.

 

[schu]

Kick extra points and FGA's uncontested - rugby style.

Extra points taken perpendicular from where the plane was crossed or ball was caught as far back as the kicker desires. Places a premium on scoring in the center 1/3rd of the field.

Uncontested FGA would save time and frustration with the silly last second time-outs. No TO's allowed during attempt.

Cost would be no more blocks or fakes.

 

[comfortably numb]

i think the area where we might see more changes is punt/kickoffs.

A 45 yard head start to knock someone down seems like it can do some good damage.

 

[nysportsfan]

Start really flagging people for the cheap little late shots after the playuer is down. You see it called sometimes, but there are so many times during the game that a defensive player comes in late after the play is over.

 

[Deadman31]

switch to tickling instead of tackling.

 

[Das Boot]

Outlaw Junk Grabbing

 

[GridironMenace]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

^ this for sure. Taking away the safety blanket, would make players think twice before going 'Chuck Cecil' on everyone.

 

[Warrior]

Then you'll see people holding on purpose everytime the other team makes a big play so that it will just be whistled dead.

15 jokes and one solid answer so far in this thread.nice.

 

[llanoff]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

I was just coming to say something similar - take off the face mask. NOBODY likes getting jacked in the nose.Just think about that. How fast would you run into someone or hit somebody with no face mask?

Change helmets and pads to nerf

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Aren't they talking about taking away two preseason games if they move to an 18 game schedule? So how is that going to result in significantly more injuries? Either way it's the same number of games.

Maybe more injuries to starters, but even still, when you factor out the two preseason games they're losing that they would have played 2 quarters in, we're really only talking about 4 extra quarters of football.

 

[NinerFan49]

I read that the NFL is seriously considering not allowing anyone to line up in a 3-point stance because that results in so many head-to-head collisions... and since the NFL started doing research on concussions, they've gathered so much information that they're starting to fear that they'll be liable to a class action lawsuit by former NFL players at some point... and the NFL won't be able to say that they didn't know how serious the problem was...

I've also read that almost all NFL players (who play for at least a few years) suffer multiple concussions... and that they often result in serious long-term brain damage... so as ridiculous as it may sound, I'd welcome the change to requiring that no one be allowed to line up a 3-pt stance...

Broken limbs are bad enough. Broken brains... are a different animal...

 

[SoBeDad]

I'm not sold that the 18 game schedule is a lock for THAT many more injuries. I mean, so many guys are injured right now with a 16 game schedule. All the NFL wants to do is add two games. I'd buy the concern if you could prove that the per game injury rate was astronomical, or that the per game rate at the end of the season is significantly higher, etc etc, but I just don't see two weeks having THAT great an effect on the overall season's injury list.

About an extra half game missed per team for the 2 additional games, per Bill Barnwell of Football Outsiders:Barnwell

 

[NinerFan49]

Hmmm. I just thought of something. The extra two games could result in more teams pulling their starters late in the season after they've clinched a good seed in the playoffs... Which could lead to a more ugly games...

But I think the 18-game season is a "done deal." Too much money for the NFL for it not to happen.

 

[SSOG]

I mean when do you ever see a holding penalty called back? You don't.

If by "called back" you mean "declined," it happens whenever the play results in a turnover.

Also, whenever the result of the play is a sack, or when the play fails to get a new set of downs on 3rd down. All in all, it's actually pretty common- if I had to completely guess without any supporting data whatsoever, I'd say probably 20% of holds get declined, if not more.

 

[shader]

I mean when do you ever see a holding penalty called back? You don't.

If by "called back" you mean "declined," it happens whenever the play results in a turnover.

Also, whenever the result of the play is a sack, or when the play fails to get a new set of downs on 3rd down. All in all, it's actually pretty common- if I had to completely guess without any supporting data whatsoever, I'd say probably 20% of holds get declined, if not more.

Sure, this might potentially take away big plays for the defense, but that happens when there is a false start or illegal procedure as well so I don't think it woudl be a big deal.

 

[shader]

Then you'll see people holding on purpose everytime the other team makes a big play so that it will just be whistled dead.

Good point. Of course, I don't know how that would work either. If they held after an int or fumble recovery, it woudn't be offensive holding anymore. If they held after a tackle or pass deflection, the play would be over already...

 

[Grigs Allmoon]

I would like to see a penalty for jumping onto a pile.I will see a fumble, then 2-3 guys land on the ball, before you know it, they have 7 people on a pile.No reason.Once whistle blows, anyone who gets onto a pile, gets flagged.

Not sure it ever results in an injury, but I've always wanted that, too. And, to take it a bit further... I think the refs should call numbers, and if that player doesn't immediately un-pile they get a flag, too.

 

[ROBOPUNTER]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

I was just coming to say something similar - take off the face mask. NOBODY likes getting jacked in the nose.Just think about that. How fast would you run into someone or hit somebody with no face mask?

There has been a movement for vintage baseball leagues. I wonder if there will be a vintage football league one day?

 

[Sabertooth]

I found it very interesting listening to the guy on Inside the NFL stating that there are very few concussion in Rugby. He opined that it was because they weren't allowed to wear helmets. I tend to agree. As crazy as it sounds, people using their helmets as weapons does cause a lot of injuries.

 

[renesauz]

I read that the NFL is seriously considering not allowing anyone to line up in a 3-point stance because that results in so many head-to-head collisions... and since the NFL started doing research on concussions, they've gathered so much information that they're starting to fear that they'll be liable to a class action lawsuit by former NFL players at some point... and the NFL won't be able to say that they didn't know how serious the problem was...I've also read that almost all NFL players (who play for at least a few years) suffer multiple concussions... and that they often result in serious long-term brain damage... so as ridiculous as it may sound, I'd welcome the change to requiring that no one be allowed to line up a 3-pt stance...Broken limbs are bad enough. Broken brains... are a different animal...

Tired of the concussion BS. As long as sports like boxing and ultimate fighting are legal at all, we have no business getting all over the NFL for this. The issue is overstated and grossly over-rated.

 

[Sweet Love]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

I was just coming to say something similar - take off the face mask. NOBODY likes getting jacked in the nose.Just think about that. How fast would you run into someone or hit somebody with no face mask?

There has been a movement for vintage baseball leagues. I wonder if there will be a vintage football league one day?

Out of curiousity, what could you change about baseball, besides the aluminum bat, that would be different from 2010 to 1910?

 

[SSOG]

I mean when do you ever see a holding penalty called back? You don't.

If by "called back" you mean "declined," it happens whenever the play results in a turnover.

Also, whenever the result of the play is a sack, or when the play fails to get a new set of downs on 3rd down. All in all, it's actually pretty common- if I had to completely guess without any supporting data whatsoever, I'd say probably 20% of holds get declined, if not more.

Sure, this might potentially take away big plays for the defense, but that happens when there is a false start or illegal procedure as well so I don't think it woudl be a big deal.

False start and illegal procedure are dead ball fouls. By definition, they happen before the snap (you can't false start after the ball has been snapped, and there's no rule against having two or more men in motion at the same time after the snap- in fact, it's kind of encouraged). They don't take away any play, because they prevent play from officially starting in the first place. Just like Delay of Game. They are not good analogies for holding, a live ball foul. A better analogy would be defensive offsides, which is by definition a live ball foul (being offsides before the ball is snapped is not a penalty, a player is not officially offsides until the ball is snapped), and just like with holding, play is allowed to continue.Another good analogy would be illegal formation penalties. Again, by definition, those are not penalties until after the ball has been snapped (if you wanted, you could line up in an illegal formation and then have someone motion into a legal formation without penalty). Since they're live-ball fouls, play continues and the opposing team is given a choice after the play is over whether they'd rather accept the penalty or the result of the down.So... in short, all dead ball fouls (fouls that occur prior to the snap) result in the whistle being blown before there is officially a play. All live ball fouls (fouls that occur after the snap) result in a flag being thrown, but the play is allowed to continue rather than being whistled dead.

 

[Sweet Love]

I found it very interesting listening to the guy on Inside the NFL stating that there are very few concussion in Rugby. He opined that it was because they weren't allowed to wear helmets. I tend to agree. As crazy as it sounds, people using their helmets as weapons does cause a lot of injuries.

It is similar in a way to ice hockey. No one wears a full mask, because the second that happens, the sticks start flying all over the place. Back in the late 80s they did mandate that players had to wear helmets because if someone got jacked mid-ice, the impact on the ice was just too much and did cause concussions. There are still some players (Lindros bothers) who have had careers end early because of concussions, but overall considering guys are flying around hitting each other more than double the speed of a guy running, they tend to have less concussions than football. Part of that is due to the sports culture (you start going at guys heads and you will end up in a fight you can't win), but it is also due to coaching from the youth levels where it is just tabboo (an illegal) to go after guys heads. I am not sure how you could even regulate this in football, but they really should start trying. When guys like Aikman and Young retire in their mid-30s because of concussion issues it kind of goes under the table, but what would happen if a guy like Stafford or Sanchez had to retire at 27 due to these issues. I hate to say it, but we are not going to see significant changes until something like that happens.

 

[steelcityman]

Injuries happen, football players know that, they know they might never walk right for the rest of the lives due to any given play. Yet, a football player wouldnt quit on himself or his team, or fans cause he MIGHT get hurt. America needs to stop acting like puzzies, tighten up and worry about yourself, not another grown many get his bell rung or knee torn.

18 games is stupid.

blowing the whistle on a hold is even more stupid.

changing helmets? you all are kidding, right? Is my sarcasm meter turned off, let me check...

its the greatest game invented and tree huggers want to eliminate injuries???

Dont watch the game if it bothers you so much.

 

[SSOG]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

I was just coming to say something similar - take off the face mask. NOBODY likes getting jacked in the nose.Just think about that. How fast would you run into someone or hit somebody with no face mask?

There has been a movement for vintage baseball leagues. I wonder if there will be a vintage football league one day?

Out of curiousity, what could you change about baseball, besides the aluminum bat, that would be different from 2010 to 1910?

Integration? Maybe by "vintage" he means "all-white"? Actually, the pitchers' mounds were lowered in '69, and the DH was added in 1973. And MLB has tinkered with the strike zone over the years in response to disproportionate dominance by pitchers or hitters. And while it's not a rule change, there's also developments like the rise of the reliever, and the equipment has changed.

 

[Spike]

I like Mike Ditka's suggestion. That they should back to the leather helmets. There would be no more leading with your head then.

 

[omahabrad]

They could do away with the traditional face mask and replace it with a clear face shield. Today's face mask seems to be more of a handle to grab the head by than a protective device.

 

[NinerFan49]

Tired of the concussion BS. As long as sports like boxing and ultimate fighting are legal at all, we have no business getting all over the NFL for this. The issue is overstated and grossly over-rated.

Tired of the "concussion BS"? Judging from your avatar, you're probably an Eagles fan. Are you aware that a neuropathologist who examined former Eagles safety Andre Waters's brain has said it's likely that the concussions he sustained playing football resulted in serious brain damage that led him to commit suicide?NY Times story (and a few excerpts):

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...752C0A9619C8B63

Since the former National Football League player Andre Waters killed himself in November, an explanation for his suicide has remained a mystery. But after examining remains of Mr. Waters's brain, a neuropathologist in Pittsburgh is claiming that Mr. Waters had sustained brain damage from playing football and he says that led to his depression and ultimate death.

The neuropathologist, Dr. Bennet Omalu of the University of Pittsburgh, a leading expert in forensic pathology, determined that Mr. Waters's brain tissue had degenerated into that of an 85-year-old man with similar characteristics as those of early-stage Alzheimer's victims. Dr. Omalu said he believed that the damage was either caused or drastically expedited by successive concussions Mr. Waters, 44, had sustained playing football.

********

Studies of more than 2,500 former N.F.L. players by the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes, based at the University of North Carolina, found that cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's-like symptoms and depression rose proportionately with the number of concussions they had sustained. That information, combined with the revelations that Mr. Webster and Mr. Long suffered from mental impairment before their deaths, compelled Mr. Nowinski to promote awareness of brain trauma's latent effects.

*********

Another interesting story about how concussions have affected former N.O. Saints offensive lineman Kyle Turley (who is considering suing the NFL): http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ms-thegameface091809