Understanding Hard-Hitting Rules

[mlmpetert]

Originally Posted by firstdown

I believe helmet to helmet is for a denfensless player only. A Linebacker can hit a WR in the process of making a catch they just cannot lead with their head because they are a defenseless player. After they have made the catch and become a runner they are no longer a denfenseless player. Its really not that hard.

Im pretty certain the helmet to helmet rule is for any tackle.

Also im pretty sure that a WR can only be touched during a catch or immediately after a catch as long as they are not considered defenseless. So a WR being trailed closely from behind by a CB or LB can get hit as soon as he catches the ball. However a WR running in the direction of a CB or LB cannot be touched until they are running AND they are also in a position to defend themselves.

Maclin caught the ball and was running and even made a attempt to avoid contact, however; since his catch was made in front of Robinson he was ultimately in a defenseless position. Robinson techniqely couldn’t do anything, but would of likely gotten away with a arm or whiff type tackle if he tried.

If i was a offensive coordinator i would be designing plays that would put a WR in a defenseless position after a catch when certain zones coverages are used. Youd be foolish not to. Theoretically the WR shouldn’t get touched and if he does its 15 yards from the spot of the foul even if he drops the catch. Its troubling in my opinion that offensive coordinators have that opportunity.

So I put pretty certain and pretty sure above in italics because ive searched hard and cant find the definition of these rules anywhere. Anyone have them or know where to get them? This a HUGE part of the problem......