"Why can't we be like the Pats...."

[steelfury02]

The Cincy and NYG game were the two shining moments for this team. I haven't seen it since, except in the Baltimore game.

I dunno - seems like these guys are more interested in posting contests to their face book pages and marketing themselves rather than being football players. They are human beings - but, how about get down to business from September to February!?

[steelerschik]

Originally Posted by steelfury02

The Cincy and NYG game were the two shining moments for this team. I haven't seen it since, except in the Baltimore game.

I dunno - seems like these guys are more interested in posting contests to their face book pages and marketing themselves rather than being football players. They are human beings - but, how about get down to business from September to February!?

Yeah, those 2 games were by far the best this season; maybe even add the second half of the Jets game and MAYBE. The Baltimore game was played with heart and emotion, and that's something I haven't seen enough of this year. Two to 3 good games out of a season isn't acceptable if you want to be considered a PO team. I can't get past Tenn, Oakland, Cleveland, SD and even KC. They need to play with that heart and emotion they played in Baltimore for these next 3 games then hopefully they can save themselves from....themselves.

[i82much]

Ravens fan here. I hate this thread, because I know it's true. The NFL has become a watered-down arena league. Yeah I still watch. But it makes me sick to see all the drive-sustaining calls the offenses get these days. I think it is a result of a conscious decision by the NFL to bring in money by elevating idols like Manning and, worst of all, Brady. Defensive-oriented teams have tried to adjust but at the end of the day playing good old-school football doesn't get it done anymore.

I have no doubt that with 1970's rules and referees the last decade of football would have turned out very, very differently.

[steelfury02]

Originally Posted by i82much

Ravens fan here. I hate this thread, because I know it's true. The NFL has become a watered-down arena league. Yeah I still watch. But it makes me sick to see all the drive-sustaining calls the offenses get these days. I think it is a result of a conscious decision by the NFL to bring in money by elevating idols like Manning and, worst of all, Brady. Defensive-oriented teams have tried to adjust but at the end of the day playing good old-school football doesn't get it done anymore.

I have no doubt that with 1970's rules and referees the last decade of football would have turned out very, very differently.

you're right - just the way civilization is going in general. People just aren't goin to accept the brutal effects in the nation's most popular sport. what's weird to me anyways, is that Boxing and UFC are far more violent - UFC is gaining in popularity, but isn't getting much attention in terms of zeroing in on the brutal hits, because it isn't mainstream.

Does anyone have an article or quote to show if concussions have actually gone down since the increase in discipline for head hits? My guess is that the number of concussions are the same, or only very slightly less. I just don't see, unless you eliminate sacking the QB or tackling altogether, concussions being limited that much.

[6RingsAndCounting]

Originally Posted by steelfury02

you're right - just the way civilization is going in general. People just aren't goin to accept the brutal effects in the nation's most popular sport. what's weird to me anyways, is that Boxing and UFC are far more violent - UFC is gaining in popularity, but isn't getting much attention in terms of zeroing in on the brutal hits, because it isn't mainstream.

Does anyone have an article or quote to show if concussions have actually gone down since the increase in discipline for head hits? My guess is that the number of concussions are the same, or only very slightly less. I just don't see, unless you eliminate sacking the QB or tackling altogether, concussions being limited that much.

Honestly concussions reported have probably went up. Players are actually forced to report to trainers now instead of hiding it.

[steelfury02]

Originally Posted by 6RingsAndCounting

Honestly concussions reported have probably went up. Players are actually forced to report to trainers now instead of hiding it.

didn't think of that - very true - so then it might be hard to actually have concrete evidence since so much of it went un reported. I guess the research should just look into the past 2-3 seasons?

[6RingsAndCounting]

Originally Posted by steelfury02

didn't think of that - very true - so then it might be hard to actually have concrete evidence since so much of it went un reported. I guess the research should just look into the past 2-3 seasons?

It will probably take a few years before they can get actual proof that what dictator Goodell did helped.

[i82much]

Originally Posted by steelfury02

you're right - just the way civilization is going in general. People just aren't goin to accept the brutal effects in the nation's most popular sport. what's weird to me anyways, is that Boxing and UFC are far more violent - UFC is gaining in popularity, but isn't getting much attention in terms of zeroing in on the brutal hits, because it isn't mainstream.

Does anyone have an article or quote to show if concussions have actually gone down since the increase in discipline for head hits? My guess is that the number of concussions are the same, or only very slightly less. I just don't see, unless you eliminate sacking the QB or tackling altogether, concussions being limited that much.

I think concussions have actually increased as a result of the rules to help offenses. Think about 20 years ago - how did you play coverage? You blanket your man down the field, jostling for position on the ball.

Now, they throw a flag for the slightest bit of contact. So how do you play coverage? You see a lot more zone, and you see a lot more coverage playing "off" of the receiver so you don't get the flag. So instead, what do you do? You wait for the exact instant the ball gets there and nail the guy. Result? More touchdowns, more flags, and more concussions.

[Quackjack]

Eh, the NFL ain't doomed, but it sure has been softened. It ain't awful, the players won't let become awful... I think.

[ETL]

Originally Posted by i82much

I think concussions have actually increased as a result of the rules to help offenses. Think about 20 years ago - how did you play coverage? You blanket your man down the field, jostling for position on the ball.

Now, they throw a flag for the slightest bit of contact. So how do you play coverage? You see a lot more zone, and you see a lot more coverage playing "off" of the receiver so you don't get the flag. So instead, what do you do? You wait for the exact instant the ball gets there and nail the guy. Result? More touchdowns, more flags, and more concussions.

Good Point! Zone defense is more prevalent now and that means the defenders get a running start to hit the receiver.