NFL owners pass four player safety rule changes for 2009 [merged] - Page 5 - New England Patriots Forums

JSn · 03-24-2009, 01:48 PM

Ok, seriously - what's behind outlawing the Wedge?

Does anyone feel this limits the likelihood of KR's for TD's?

***NEGoldenAge*** · 03-24-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

Ok, seriously - what's behind outlawing the Wedge?

Does anyone feel this limits the likelihood of KR's for TD's?

Poilan is losing his mind, and he thinks that by eliminating the "wedge", his underwear won't creep up anymore.

ScottieC · 03-24-2009, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSn

Ok, seriously - what's behind outlawing the Wedge?

Does anyone feel this limits the likelihood of KR's for TD's?

Well - I'm going to my favorite restaurant tonight and if I can not get my Wedge with Blue Cheese and bacon bits, I'm going to be bent!

Seriously, I have the same question - perhaps someone can explain.

PatsChamp88 · 03-24-2009, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Here is the formal language for the rule change involving the wedge block being outlawed: “After the ball is kicked, no more than two receiving team players may intentionally form a wedge in an attempt to block for the runner. An illegal wedge is defined as three or more players lined up shoulder-to-shoulder within two yards of each other.”

If that makes it slightly clearer found it on PFT as for the impact yeah I'm not sure gunna have to read up on that.

DefenseRules · 03-24-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottieC

Looks like they did not adopt the Tom Brady rule - But they did pass 4 others.

Four safety proposals passed at NFL owners meetings - ESPN

I guess they are waiting for a QB's career to be PERMANENTLY ENDED before they pass it.

***Rob0729*** · 03-24-2009, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synovia

Jesus Christ, the last thing the Roy WIlliams law is about is "isolated incidents". There are all sorts of players out of football with leg and back injuries from being tackled that way.

It was an isolated case. It was geared to one player who was injuring players tackling that way. Fine or suspend the guy to deter it and don't penalize the rest of the defenders. It wouldn't be called the Roy Williams rule if it was as prevalent as you suggest. Roy Williams injured several players in one season which makes it an isolated case.

But if you don't like that example, how about the Emmitt Smith rule? Or the five yard chuck emphasis because of one playoff game between the Pats and Colt? There are plenty of reactionary rules that have been implemented over the years because of an isolated incident or player. Hence why there are rules named after players.

JSn · 03-24-2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PatsChamp88

If that makes it slightly clearer found it on PFT as for the impact yeah I'm not sure gunna have to read up on that.

Yeah, I read that too, but I didn't understand what the effect was. ST tackles are generally pretty brutal. I don't know who it protects on the kicking team, but it sure isn't going to make a case for the longevity of returners, in my mind.

PatsChamp88 · 03-24-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

The point of impact is the "wedge" — a wall of multiple blockers hoping to clear a path for the man returning the kick.

The collisions, with helmets dipped and absorbing an impact that places undue pressure on the C3-C4 range of the cervical spine, can be dangerous. At some point, the outcome could be fatal.

As a result, the Competition Committee has recommended outlawing the "wedge." It would be a great move.

Though it would make it more challenging for special teams coaches to devise strategies for advancing the ball as far as possible after a kickoff, it would help to ensure the safety of the men who have many years to spend as sons, husbands, and fathers after their playing careers end.

Certain teams don't the "wedge" one article pointed out also I read that other team who use the "wedge" however some use more and less players. Obviously it will certainly have an impact on teams who use the "wedge" on a regular basis resulting in less big returns/TDs until they perfect their new strategy. I'm not certain on which teams do use the "wedge" and what teams do not, I imagine it's used by quite a bit of teams.

***T-ShirtDynasty*** · 03-24-2009, 02:10 PM

Is it mandatory that every year the league pass at least one stupid, useless, or backward ass rule?

Sicilian · 03-24-2009, 02:11 PM

The one that stands out to me honestly is the bunching of players on onsides kicks. Won't that make it a LOT easier for the kicking team to recover? Or am I interpretting that wrong?