Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

[Jooser]

I just read this on PFT.com. It's the first I've seen in regards to player safety and the whole concussion issue. I'm not sure, but what sport are we evolving into? Next thing we know, they'll be wearing flags on their belts! discuss.....

-Joos

Three-point stance could get the boot

Posted by Mike Florio on February 7, 2010 4:54 PM ET

As the NFL looks for ways to reduce the number of concussions at every level of football, Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a Sunday appearance on CBS's Face the Nation that he would not rule out a ban on the three-point stance, according to the Associated Press.

The traditional starting position for offensive and defensive linemen allows them to blast into each other, often with their helmets colliding. A two-point stance would allow players to start the process of blocking and shedding blocks with their heads in a higher position.

The league has demonstrated over the past few months an unprecedented commitment to reducing the number and severity of head injuries. The effort began not long after a House Committee made it clear to the NFL that, if the league doesn't address the problem, Congress will do it instead.

PFT Planet, feel free to let us know how much you like (or, more likely, despise) this possibility.

[Shawn]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

I will be in the minority but I like any rule that decreases the amount of concussions while maintaining the integrity of the game. I'm not sure if this rule would fit that description. I would love to hear coaches views on how this would change the game.

[SanAntonioSteelerFan]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

To avoid this seeming like a knee-jerk, witch-hunt, PR-and-reputation-enhancing response by the NFL, I think it'd be important to know how effective it might be in reducing brain injury. How many concussions have resulted from lineman pounding into each other AT THE START OF A PLAY?

If none, what evidence does the NFL have that non-concussion brain injuries are occuring at the LOS?

If none, it'd be a hard sell, I'd think.

[Jooser]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

Well, probably pass-happy teams wouldn't mind too much. But your running teams might. It's hard to explode out and drive block under someone if you start from a standing position. Besides, it seems like you really don't hear about linemen having concussion issues. It's usually DBs, WRs, or RB/QBs that suffer these types of injuries, so I'm not too sure how much this would help reduce concussions.

[stlrz d]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

Well, probably pass-happy teams wouldn't mind too much. But your running teams might. It's hard to explode out and drive block under someone if you start from a standing position. Besides, it seems like you really don't hear about linemen having concussion issues. It's usually DBs, WRs, or RB/QBs that suffer these types of injuries, so I'm not too sure how much this would help reduce concussions.

Just reading this now and that's the first thing that crossed my mind.

[BURGH86STEEL]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

Maybe they should just play flag football?

[birtikidis]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

how is it that Rugby players aren't all dead? to hear the NFL say it, these guys should be packaged in bubble wrap prior over their pads prior to every game.

[steelsnis]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

how is it that Rugby players aren't all dead? to hear the NFL say it, these guys should be packaged in bubble wrap prior over their pads prior to every game.

Just my opinion, but this type of "tough guy" attitude totally misses the point. The reason rugby players aren't all dead is precisely because they DON'T wear all of the pads of NFL players.

There's an element of self-preservation in Rugby because you're not wearing a helmet and shoulder pads. You won't launch yourself head-first at another human being if neither of you are wearing what amounts to full-body armor.

There is a sentiment out there that one way to reduce concussions and head injuries is to remove the facemask from the helmets. That way, guys won't lead w/the head and learn how to make a form tackle instead.

IMO, the extra protective gear makes NFL players fearless and THAT is what's leading to an increased amount of head injuries.

[papillon]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

I just read this on PFT.com. It's the first I've seen in regards to player safety and the whole concussion issue. I'm not sure, but what sport are we evolving into? Next thing we know, they'll be wearing flags on their belts! discuss.....

-Joos

Three-point stance could get the boot

Posted by Mike Florio on February 7, 2010 4:54 PM ET

As the NFL looks for ways to reduce the number of concussions at every level of football, Commissioner Roger Goodell said during a Sunday appearance on CBS's Face the Nation that he would not rule out a ban on the three-point stance, according to the Associated Press.

The traditional starting position for offensive and defensive linemen allows them to blast into each other, often with their helmets colliding. A two-point stance would allow players to start the process of blocking and shedding blocks with their heads in a higher position.

The league has demonstrated over the past few months an unprecedented commitment to reducing the number and severity of head injuries. The effort began not long after a House Committee made it clear to the NFL that, if the league doesn't address the problem, Congress will do it instead.

PFT Planet, feel free to let us know how much you like (or, more likely, despise) this possibility.

They may as well just outlaw rushing the football; the rule changes have almost done this already they may as well just go ahead complete the transition to flag football. Tonight's Super Bowl was boring as hell, Brees and Manning only ran the ball as a token of appreciation for those that came before them. The game was boring.

Pappy

[birtikidis]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

how is it that Rugby players aren't all dead? to hear the NFL say it, these guys should be packaged in bubble wrap prior over their pads prior to every game.

Just my opinion, but this type of "tough guy" attitude totally misses the point. The reason rugby players aren't all dead is precisely because they DON'T wear all of the pads of NFL players.

There's an element of self-preservation in Rugby because you're not wearing a helmet and shoulder pads. You won't launch yourself head-first at another human being if neither of you are wearing what amounts to full-body armor.

There is a sentiment out there that one way to reduce concussions and head injuries is to remove the facemask from the helmets. That way, guys won't lead w/the head and learn how to make a form tackle instead.

IMO, the extra protective gear makes NFL players fearless and THAT is what's leading to an increased amount of head injuries.

have you been to or have you ever played rugby?
it is much rougher then NFL rules football. MUCH rougher.

[hawaiiansteel]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

Maybe they should just play flag football?

or maybe we should just put skirts on all of them...

[ramblinjim]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

the guys that play Rugby are tough as nails and I won't take anything away from them, nor would I like to get into a pub fight with them.

however, Rugby players typically are not 6'5" - 330. the bigger guys are not as fast nor are any of them quite as strong. Rugby players tend to be strong, quick and have excellent stamina, they don't blend 4.4 speed with a 250 pound body with no body fat that can bench press a truck.

[birtikidis]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

the guys that play Rugby are tough as nails and I won't take anything away from them, nor would I like to get into a pub fight with them.

however, Rugby players typically are not 6'5" - 330. the bigger guys are not as fast nor are any of them quite as strong. Rugby players tend to be strong, quick and have excellent stamina, they don't blend 4.4 speed with a 250 pound body with no body fat that can bench press a truck.

nearly every game I've gone to and nearly every game I've played in, at least one person ended up with a broken bone (mostly noses) and there was enough blood for an entire weekend of NFL football.

[Dee Dub]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

I sure would like to see Roger Goodall focus on other issues....ike a Collective Barganing Agreement. This sounds like Goodell is trying too hard. And he is going end up ruining this game.

This though will never happen. The beloved Peyton Manning and Tom Brady wont be able to easily read defenses if everyone is standing up.

[Jooser]

Re: Three-Point Stance May Be Banned?

I sure would like to see Roger Goodall focus on other issues....ike a Collective Barganing Agreement. This sounds like Goodell is trying too hard. And he is going end up ruining this game.

This though will never happen. The beloved Peyton Manning and Tom Brady wont be able to easily read defenses if everyone is standing up.

here, here!