Another day of NFL meetings has lead to another set of rule changes. Owners voted unanimously to eliminate the “Tuck Rule” and also prevent running backs from leading with the crown of the helmet in the open field.
For those unfamiliar, the “Tuck Rule” has long been the aid of a quarterback under duress. Under the previous rule, if a quarterback’s initial arm motion is a completed throwing motion and he then tucks the ball against his body, the player would now become a runner. In these instances, when the play resulted in the ball coming loose, it would have been deemed an incomplete pass and not a fumble. However, under the new rule change, quarterbacks will be allowed to fumble again. The new implementation will force elite signal callers to value the football more and offensive line play will be more crucial than ever. Owners voted by a margin of 29-1, with New England and Washington abstaining from the vote.
The second rule change had received much more criticism prior to its vote. However, the league has once again ruled in favor of player safety by disallowing runners in the open field to lead with the crown of their helmet. Powerful runners will not be able to lead with their head, which would result in devastating effects for top rushers like Adrian Peterson. Though the move is instinctual and natural for rushers to protect themselves, issues with concussions were the driving force in abolishing this rule. Owners voted in favor of the rule change 31-1.
