Professional football seems to be intent on destroying itself.
Nearly every week, there are cringe-worthy shots to the head by players. Shots that were unnecessary.
Yes, I know that today's players are bigger-faster-stronger than those of even 20 years ago. And having been on the sidelines for Packer games, I know how violent the game is. Much more so than television can ever convey.
Take the Green Bay-Carolina game of 12/17/17 as a perfect example. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, rusty after an eight-week layoff, throws an interception. As Carolina's Colin Jones turns up field, GB wide receiver Dante Adams is blindsided from the left by linebacker Thomas Davis. Davis, a 12-year pro out of Georgia, clearly launches and leads with his helmet, smack into Adams' helmet. The ensuing 15-yard penalty is tacked on, yes, but while Adams heads to the sideline for concussion protocol (and will be lost for the game) Davis will return.
What's wrong with that picture? Granted, come Monday (or Tuesday) the NFL front offices will issue a stiff fine for the hit. But where's the in-game justice? We lost one of ours, shouldn't Davis be tossed for the rest of the game as well?
Maybe the NCAA has it right. Or at least the START of getting it right. Targeting is not tolerated in the college game. And if, in the opinion of the officials checking on the infraction, the targeting is egregious, the player is tossed for a game. In the college system, if the targeting takes place in the first half of a game, the offending player is done for the day. If the targeting takes place in the second half, the offending player is tossed AND will be sitting out the first half of the NEXT game.
Seems pretty simple, and is a bit more proactive than the NFL. Yes, the college game tends to err on the side of caution, but at least they are trying.
All of these injury issues stem, I think, from the lack of basic tackling technique being taught from day one. I recall Coach Terry and Coach Brad stressing that you kept your head up and hit the guy in the numbers. Wrap up! (I can still hear them screaming that...) This was long before the days of organized youth programs. For many high schoolers "back in the day" these were the first exposure to organized football.
Jim,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that a penalty against the team is not going to stop the "targeting". At least a "red card" like in soccer would be a positive move- offending players is out of the game, and miss the next game. And 3 red cards means you're out for the next 6 games, or something like that.