- Joined
- Aug 13, 2005
- Messages
- 19,049
- Reaction score
- 12,398
Patriots wonder about impact of ban on wedge formations by Shalise Manza Young for The Providence Journal
continue reading ...
Further in the article, Scott O'Brien, Le Kevin Smith, and Bill Belichick discuss the possible impact of the rule change. Apparently NFL referees will be in training camp Wednesday through Friday and though it is possible they may have some more information, we'll probably have to wait for some preseason games to see how much of a change there will be. Smith and O'Brien think there will be less offensive linemen on the field on kickoffs and punts, and they will be replaced by faster players such as tight ends. If that is the case then that increases the likelihood of the Pats going with four tight ends on the roster this year.
It is a relatively simple question without, it seems, an equally simple answer: how will the ban on wedge formations impact special teams play?
The NFL voted during the March owners' meetings to ban the wedge, three or four hand-holding offensive or defensive linemen who formed a wall to help to clear a path for kick returners. The wedge made for violent collisions, as wedge busters – those players crazy enough to launch themselves into a mass of exceedingly large men moving at top speed – can tell tales of being knocked out too many times to remember.
The thinking was, eliminating the wedge might help cut down on serious injuries.
continue reading ...
Further in the article, Scott O'Brien, Le Kevin Smith, and Bill Belichick discuss the possible impact of the rule change. Apparently NFL referees will be in training camp Wednesday through Friday and though it is possible they may have some more information, we'll probably have to wait for some preseason games to see how much of a change there will be. Smith and O'Brien think there will be less offensive linemen on the field on kickoffs and punts, and they will be replaced by faster players such as tight ends. If that is the case then that increases the likelihood of the Pats going with four tight ends on the roster this year.