Football dead as we know it?

[jbassman87]

After watching the football games this weekend, NCAA and NFL and without mentioning any specific game, I am wondering if the football that most of us grew up playing and watching is over? There were so many calls that effected the outcome of the games that would not have been called, even just last year. What is the game going to look like in a few years? Can't tackle the Quarterback? No hands at all on a receiver? Make sure the receiver catches the ball before you try and tackle him, but just do it real gentle. Almost not even worth watching anymore.

[basscat21]

All sports are going through this. LIABILITY is the issue. Lawsuit avoidance. Helmets are getting decertified by NOCSE in some sports, because of lawsuit avoidance.

[MikeFloyd]

IMO it should be about what's in the best long term interest of the players. The suit against the NFL had some pretty compelling evidence about long term brain damage. I would rather the game sucked than having players suffer permanent brain damage.

[Mark Perry]

I still se plenty of hard hits, great runs, acrobatic catches and QB play that is so far advanced its scary. Football is far from dead. Its easy to sit on a couch and talk about how soft the game is getting but reality is we have 300lb plus guys running at speeds that WRs and RBs had years ago. The game is faster, the players sre stronger and faster and in many cases simply better than anyone before them.

The only think i want to see change is more consistency on calls. I also wish they could incorporate challenges to include penalties. Not add any more challenges, keep same number and format they have now just allow it to also look at penalties.

[brnzbaklvr]

The QB is at a hell of a risk when he looks down field and releases the ball...Smoking him after it is obvious the ball has been released should result in a flag......If he is out of the pocket with the ball he is fair game....nothing has really changed there...As far as pass interference there does seem to be more calls there but couldn't it also be because teams are throwing more...

[Ticman]

I think they should get rid of cheap shots. Putting the crown of your helmet in the face mask of a quarterback after the ball is long gone should be stopped. and I agree would much rather see the great payers play for years instead of getting put out due to cheap shots.

[Bass Commander]

My season is dead...

Signed,
KC Chiefs/Mizzou fan

[Fish_4_Five]

I agree with the helmet to helmet, or defenseless receivers. These guys are to big and fast now not to put something like in. But incidental forearm to the face of the QB is crazy. Not talking a hit but the hands up to block a pass and runs into the QB. Better judgment needs to go into these things.

No player should be allowed to sue the league now IMO. Ok, "benefit" of the doubt to the past players. Now everyone knows what they are getting into, and should accept that risk.

[Quillback]

Game has always been changing. I'm old enough to remember when they would literally drag injured players off the field.

[skeeterator]

Receivers can't be breathed on without a flag flying in todays game, it really makes it hard to play defense.As far as keeping the millionaires safe while playing, they know the risk when signing their contract, lots of more dangerous jobs out there that the average joe does everyday for peanuts.

[Mark Perry]

Receivers can't be breathed on without a flag flying in todays game, it really makes it hard to play defense.As far as keeping the millionaires safe while playing, they know the risk when signing their contract, lots of more dangerous jobs out there that the average joe does everyday for peanuts.

I fish regularly with a friend that is a former NFL QB and trust me these guys take a beating. We are roughly the same age and he is still a young man but struggles to movea round in the boat because of his knees. Also a couple of other NFL players live and fish locally and same deal. We cannot comprehend the beatings their body takes. I have no class envy and don't think the fact they get paid well to play overrides basic humanity to me. I don't have to see guys maimed for life to enjoy the game.
Throw in the fact that college, HS and Pee Wee players mimic the NFL style of play and its a trickle down effect if guys are not being safer on the field.

[BigSexyPhoenix]

It has changed to the point that I will still watch but I don't plan my day around it. It is almost getting boring to sit and watch. All of these guys are making wads of money and they should know the risk involved. They can always choose a safer career path such as flipping burgers if they don't want to get hurt. I would step in the ring and go three rounds with Mike Tyson if the money was right and I would also know the risk involved.

[brnzbaklvr]

I think all the trades and players jumping teams every other season has taken more away from the game than any playing rules......

[skeeterator]

Mark, no class envy, simply stating facts.They know the risks involved when they accept the job, no different than a soldier, leo, coal miner etc, except they only play a game for a few years versus working 30 plus years in jobs that are an actual necessity for society.If they get hurt while providing entertainment thats their choice to do so, nobody forced them into their chosen "career" so I won't feel too bad for em if they get hurt while doing it.I've seen people hurt pretty badly at various jobsites, lost fingers, crushed ribs, third degree burns etc and trust me, I feel bad for these guys and their families so my humanity is fully intact.Average joe getting hurt badly on the job is financially burdened worse than an nfl player thats hurt while playing.

Todays game is soft vs what we grew up with, its all about puttin big numbers on the scoreboard and azzes in the seats so they protect the qb's and receivers like never before.

[jbassman87]

I don't want to see anybody get hurt. They do however play a game for the livelihood, which comes with risk.

I know a carpet layer that was the best in the area. Doesn't move around too good now, but that was his choice, so he could provide for his family.

I guess my biggest complaint with all these new rules, is how they are reliant of the refs making a split second judgement call and if they get it wrong.....oh well sorry.

[siskiyoucrash]

Take away the Helmuts and protective gear and head injuries and stuff will go down. Just like Rugby!

[kingpin1]

I want to start my own league with a few rule changes.

-Anything goes on offense. Line up how you want to, move if you want, whatever. No more procedure penalty's.
Ten men on line of scrimmage or one man on line of scrimmage...do it. Twenty yard head start for motion, do it.
Snap the ball how you want to...over your head, side armed, whatever.
-Holding is eliminated - if you can tackle the guy in front of you, so be it.
-Same for pass interference. They can knock you down but you can also shove the defender out of the way
-All hits are legal, except hits to the head.
-All fumbles count until the end of the play. No more his knee is down crap. You have to complete the play, kinda like they do for receptions.
-No more breaking the plane for a touchdown....you have to hold onto the ball and complete the play
-Touchdown celebrations encouraged
-Taunting encouraged
-Move the kickoff back to where it's supposed to be.

[artcarney_agr]

Did any of you catch the SNL skit not long ago with Woody Harrelson?

https://screen.yahoo.com/snl/footbal...083720259.html

[Mark Perry]

Mark, no class envy, simply stating facts.They know the risks involved when they accept the job, no different than a soldier, leo, coal miner etc, except they only play a game for a few years versus working 30 plus years in jobs that are an actual necessity for society.If they get hurt while providing entertainment thats their choice to do so, nobody forced them into their chosen "career" so I won't feel too bad for em if they get hurt while doing it.I've seen people hurt pretty badly at various jobsites, lost fingers, crushed ribs, third degree burns etc and trust me, I feel bad for these guys and their families so my humanity is fully intact.Average joe getting hurt badly on the job is financially burdened worse than an nfl player thats hurt while playing.

Todays game is soft vs what we grew up with, its all about puttin big numbers on the scoreboard and azzes in the seats so they protect the qb's and receivers like never before.

But you have to acknowledge the players today are faster, stronger and hit a hell of a lot harder. Its simple physics in that regard.

[skeeterator]

But you have to acknowledge the players today are faster, stronger and hit a hell of a lot harder. Its simple physics in that regard.

Yes, I get that but so do the players goin in.Not much different than ufc fighters or boxers, all are violent sports and all participants know that ahead of time.You gotta admit some of the pass interfernce calls, roughing the kicker etc are ridiculous, its football not ballet.