Hitting the QB's head

[Bill B.]

Man, I am getting so sick and tired of of the analysts all complaining about the "new" rules regarding hitting the QB. There were two calls in yesterdays game where the QBs helmet was hit. Each team got a call like that so it was a wash. I had ESPN on all afternoon (I know, I know, but I don't have NFL network) and they showed and complained about the call against the Ravens but did not once show the call against Wright. But why does everyone forget 1977 against the Raiders in the playoffs? The hit on Brady looked exactly like the hit that "Sugar Bear" Hamilton put on Stabler. That call cost the Patriots a playoff game. So this rule is hardly new.

 

[SBPatsFan]

Like you I found it disappointing that not once was Wright's sack with the hit on the helmet of Flacco mentioned. I thought Dilfer' was particularly ridiculous. I also am not surprised that he comes off so biased in favor of Baltimore getting hosed given he won a superbowl as their QB.

 

[IcyPatriot]

I think they need to stick a flag in the QB's waist and get it over with. Take the flag and the play is over ... no discusiion.

 

[TOzgood]

media stinks

 

[italia44]

The new rule sucks...............It might have cost us a SB victory............remember Vrabel whacking Kurt Warner in the head on Ty Law's critical return of an INT for a TD?

 

[TriplecHamp]

Man, I am getting so sick and tired of of the analysts all complaining about the "new" rules regarding hitting the QB. There were two calls in yesterdays game where the QBs helmet was hit. Each team got a call like that so it was a wash. I had ESPN on all afternoon (I know, I know, but I don't have NFL network) and they showed and complained about the call against the Ravens but did not once show the call against Wright. But why does everyone forget 1977 against the Raiders in the playoffs? The hit on Brady looked exactly like the hit that "Sugar Bear" Hamilton put on Stabler. That call cost the Patriots a playoff game. So this rule is hardly new.

This. I didn't have a problem with them complaining about the rules but them not showing how it went both ways pissed me off a bit but he its BSPN right haha. They also got on Brady for asking for that Roughing Penalty and then getting it, but I ask how this ifs different from a WR looking for a PI call?

 

[jmt57]

This. I didn't have a problem with them complaining about the rules but them not showing how it went both ways pissed me off a bit but he its BSPN right haha. They also got on Brady for asking for that Roughing Penalty and then getting it, but I ask how this ifs different from a WR looking for a PI call?

Yeah, you nailed it on both points. People that didn't watch the game come away with the impression that every even remotely questionable call went the Patriots way based upon how some in the media are portraying it, coupled with Lewis' rant - and their basically taking his side in the debate. And those that are complaining about Brady looking for a flag are conveniently overlooking the fact that players on every team do that on probably half the plays in any game, especially receivers, running backs, punters, defensive backs - and yes, quarterbacks. Rather than chastise Brady for asking for a flag he should be lauded for doing the smart thing. I mean it's not like he flopped to the ground like a soccer or basketball player.

 

[pwes]

I hate this stupid ******* rule

 

[Satchboogie3]

I hate this stupid ******* rule

Why? Do you really want to see Brady, Peyton, Brees, etc go down for the season? I wouldn't. I like watching elite QBs play, I don't want to see more Rex Grossman's and Brian Griese's in the league because the starters got injured. While I hate getting flagged for brushing a helmet, I don't want to see QBs getting neck injuries and concussions.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Yeah, you nailed it on both points. People that didn't watch the game come away with the impression that every even remotely questionable call went the Patriots way based upon how some in the media are portraying it, coupled with Lewis' rant - and their basically taking his side in the debate. And those that are complaining about Brady looking for a flag are conveniently overlooking the fact that players on every team do that on probably half the plays in any game, especially receivers, running backs, punters, defensive backs - and yes, quarterbacks. Rather than chastise Brady for asking for a flag he should be lauded for doing the smart thing. I mean it's not like he flopped to the ground like a soccer or basketball player.

Anyone who didn't watch the game and just formed their opinion based on highlights would be shocked to realize not only that both teams got nailed for the same roughing the passer call, but also that both teams got flagged exactly 9 times. Nobody's going to do their own research, though, so whoever complains the most is going to dominate the public's mindshare, and the Patriots don't complain. They win instead.

 

[BennyBledsoe]

Yeah and if there are some borderline calls and that means players aren't trying to do LONG-TERM DAMAGE to their fellow man...beyond the football field even... then they're the right calls to make even if they hurt our chances of winning a game.

Is winning important enough to potentially impair someone for the rest of their life?

Bottom line: hit the QB solidly and don't go out of your way to hurt him.