© Kelley L Cox | 2018 Aug 9
The NFL’s new rule penalizing players for leading with the crown of their helmet has drawn widespread criticism throughout the first two weeks of the preseason. 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman already blasted the rule earlier this summer, but doubled down on Twitter after San Francisco’s preseason loss to the Texans on Saturday, citing a seemingly innocuous tackle made by Raheem Mostert that was penalized.
To all those ppl including those who made the rule. I want a video of YOU running full speed and being lead by anything but your head while also attempting to bring down a moving target. You will soon realize it’s impossible. https://t.co/QFyENU6LKf
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) August 19, 2018
There is no “make adjustment” to the way you tackle. Even in a perfect form tackle the body is led by the head. The rule is idiotic And should be dismissed immediately. When you watch rugby players tackle they are still lead by their head. Will be flag football soon.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) August 19, 2018
This is considered a good Rugby tackle. It would be a for sure penalty in our league. https://t.co/2EqxrKwgCC
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) August 19, 2018
Senior Vice President of Officiating Al Riveron tried to clarify the rule with a video posted to Twitter last week, but the attempt has seemed to cause more confusion than clarity. The rule calls for flags any time an offensive or defensive player “initiates contact with his helmet to any part of an opposing player’s body,” according to USA Today.
An updated video to include graphics and animation. pic.twitter.com/UAOCFvdNBy
— Al Riveron (@alriveron) August 15, 2018