For the 2018 NFL season, the league has instilled a new rule which is called roughing the passer. The new rule protects the quarterback from hits below the waist, helmet to helmet, and defenders landing all their body weight on the QB.
The rule was put into place because of injuries of starting QBs. The QBs were being ruled out for weeks, entire seasons, or even careers because of the injuries. For example, Aaron Rodgers suffered from a broken collarbone, Tom Brady from a torn ACL, and Tony Romo from a broken collarbone. Many QBs have been seriously injured, but the NFL is taking a stance in protecting the most valuable players on the field.
However, the rule has been brought to attention. Is this new rule too much? In my opinion, I believe it is to a certain extent. The rule is beneficial for a few reasons. First of all, too many teams have lost their season because of the injuries inflicted on the starting quarterback. I understand injuries are part of the game, but it not only affects the team but also the ratings. Most fans go to see the quarterback play even though if the team is not the best.
The second reason I think the rule is beneficial is that the QB is a defenseless player. The QB sometimes has as little as three seconds to get rid of the ball before a 300-pound defender goes charging at him. On the other hand, the QB has already enough protection, and this rule just makes the defenders’ job more difficult. Clay Matthews a linebacker for the Green Bay Packers, is not too fond of the new rule.
“I think they’re getting soft,” he said in an ESPN interview.
Finally, is that risk of injury is just a part of the game? Many times, the NFL has decision makers making these rules about how to tackle, but the fact is you don’t know until you have actually played the game. Trying to make a high collision sport safe is something that is very difficult to do. Overall, I do like the rule because the NFL is making an effort to protect their players.