Art Monk vs. NFL

[skinsguy]

Originally Posted by Daseal

I think the talk about wrap up tackling isn't as easy as it sounds. You reference back to Pop Warner football. I understand the point you're triyng to make with that example, but it's not applicable to the pro game.

The offense constantly get rules in their favor that limits what the defense can really do to stop the offense. I think the focus of NFL defenses have changed from trying to stop the opposing teams in 3 downs and forcing a punt by solid defense to forcing turnovers being the best option for stopping an offense that has all the rules in their favor. Big hits on QBs and on the ball carriers are the best way to stop an offense in today's game.

I believe a lot of the rule changes have forced defensive players to headhunt more than ever before. There were concussions before the change in philosophy to promiting dominant offenses, but I'm talking more about saying "just wrap up" isn't fair anymore.

Well actually, with the rule enforcement on helmet to helmet, hitting defenseless players and the QB, it is actually doing the opposite. Defenses can't hit the QB too low or high anymore without getting the flag, so it causes them to have to wrap 'em up more so rather than to go for the big hit. Same can be said for hitting a defenseless player. Look at a guy like London Fletcher - he's textbook with his tackling. He still goes for a big hit, but within textbook rules and nine times out of ten, he wraps the ball carrier up in a good solid tackle. Very seldom, if ever, do any ball carriers get out of a London Fletcher tackle. Of course, we're talking about a solid linebacker as opposed to a smaller defensive back, but I think putting more emphasis on going for the big hit it counter-productive if defensive players want to stay within stricter guidelines and to avoiding concussions.