NFL Crown-of-the-Helmet Rule: The End of Football as We Know It?

March 23, 2013   ·   Jeffery Roy   ·   Jump to comments


On Wednesday, March 19th, the NFL Rules Committee made several significant rules changes. 
Most were universally lauded as improving the game. The elimination of the tuck rule, allowing the officials to review a play when a coach’s challenge is overruled and penalizing peel-back blocks near the line of scrimmage were all considered worthwhile developments. 
But one elicited an entirely different set of reactions. No longer will a player who is downfield three yards or more be allowed to deliver a blow with the top or “crown” of the helmet. Depending on who is speaking, this was either long overdue or the sky is falling. 
Those who argue for its adoption called upon one of the oldest coaching maxims. John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, put it this way:
Anybody that has played the game knows that when you're going in on a higher hit you tackle with your eyes up, you see what you hit. 

In other words,...

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