During the offseason, the NFL is the subject of much discussion. The league and the NFLPA discuss potential rule changes that could improve the game.
The NFL competition committee has suggested a new rule that would penalize a player with a 15-yard penalty and give their opponent an automatic first down if they use the hip-drop tackle to knock down a runner.
Definition of a hip-drop tackle.
At least one New Orleans Saints veteran isn’t a fan. Cameron Jordan plainly does not think it is a good idea to punish players for making a common tackle.
Hip-drop tackles are common in football and can be difficult to escape. In many circumstances, the tackler does not want to damage the opponent. The NFL has really high-level athletes who are difficult to bring down.
Outlawing this style of tackle creates a lot of ambiguity in terms of what tacklers can and cannot do. Sometimes it is simply unavoidable in their endeavor to bring a guy to the ground, which is their job.
Not to mention that any direct contact above the shoulders results in a penalty. Player safety is critical, but there is only so much you can do to prevent injuries.
The NFL owners will gather next week in Orlando. There could be an update on this proposed rule change around that time.
